The Sunday Paper #517

August 4, 2024

This week, I took a bit of time to work with this momigami (kneaded paper) that I made long ago. I’m making a vest, which may or may not ever be worn, because it is important (to me) that it look good enough! I’ve stitched the vest together (no photo) but it needs something else – maybe an interesting paper or ribbon to line the edges, and perhaps some buttons. Paper (at least this paper) doesn’t drape like fabric, so I think it is going to look better fastened in the center.

——————————————————————————————–––––––

I had the pleasure of interviewing Joyce Gold on Paper Talk. Joyce is a Denver, Colorado artist who pushes the boundaries of traditional papermaking to create works in paper that are new and innovative. Her work is said to “punctuate the depth and breadth of papermaking.” Joyce uses various plant fibers with assorted papermaking techniques and markings to accentuate her work, and her love of the papermaking process piques her curiosity and leads to new discoveries. Her work has been widely exhibited; she is the recipient of awards from D’Art Gallery, Arnold Grummers, and the Morgan Art of Papermaking Conservatory; and her work has been featured in Fiber Art Now magazine. Enjoy our conversation!

——————————————————————————————–––––––

Support this wonderful organization! we.grow.eco is a Santa Fe based educational nonprofit that is building a robust circular economy around textile waste in Northern New Mexico – via hand papermaking! They are currently raising funds for a new hollander beater and are seeking a person or organization that has one for sale or donation. Support We Grow Eco by making a donation, or contact Cfoster@wegroweco.org if you have one to donate.

——————————————————————————————–––––––

Set some time aside to watch this brilliant video about washi made in Echizen (that’s the paper village we visited on the recent Japan Paper Tour, although we did not visit the mills that are featured in this video). Rabbit hole warning: you will find a companion video at the link, along with other things to explore. These videos are soooo good, in so many ways, right down to the voice of the narrator.

———————————————————————————————–––––––

This article in the Washington Post might be behind a paywall for some of you (I was able to sign up for a free month). How fascinating: scientists are trying to grow fake (i.e. gene-edited) trees to make paper! This is one of those concepts that makes me wonder: is this a good thing, or a bad thing?!

—–—————————————————————————————–––––––

About our Sponsor: Based in Santa Fe, we.grow.eco is a dynamic nonprofit dedicated to inspiring critical thinking about our relationship with the environment. One of our standout initiatives is organizing six clothing swaps annually, where we transform plant-based textile waste into beautiful handmade paper.

—–—————————————————————————————–––––––

Paper Tidbits

• My next and final in studio event of the year is the Red Cliff Paper Retreat, which will take place August 26-30. We’ll be exploring paper and thread, and one spot has opened up.
• I’ll be in Tasmania mid-September to teach a couple of (sold-out) workshops after the Paper on Skin Wearable Art competition. I hope to meet some of you there.
• I’m excited to be speaking and exhibiting at the North American Hand Papermakers Conference, which is being held in Denver October 17-19. I hope to see you there!

—–—————————————————————————————–––––––