The Sunday Paper #540

January 19, 2025

The title of this post comes from a woman in LA who lost everything in the fires. She was quoted in this article, The Unfathomable Loss of Artistic Heritage in Altadena, on Hyperallergic. Earlier this week, I was listening to an interview with Pico Iyer on Fresh Air, who lost all of his worldly belongings in a fire several decades ago. Since then, Iyer has returned again and again to a Benedictine monastery, where he practices silent meditation. He spoke about how his life at these retreats is different than his daily life, and how when he is on a silent retreat, he is able to reflect on how small we humans are, and how the earth will outlive all of us. He writes about all of this in depth in his new book, Aflame.

I also received an e-mail a couple of days ago from LA2050, a community-guided initiative driving and tracking progress toward a shared vision for the future of Los Angeles (since 2011). They’ve produced two guides filled with resources for those affected by the fires and those who wish to help: a Safety and Support Guide for Angelenos and this Volunteer & Support Guide.

I am thinking about everyone who has been affected, and I am hopeful that once we are able to move through the loss – with the help of community – we can begin again, and maybe even look forward to that new blank page.

Esemplastic Fog III, 2024 30″ diameter, custom frame // Available at Abigail Ogilvy Gallery

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A reader recently turned me on to the work of Barloga Studios. This San Francisco Bay Area studio produces photographic prints of natural subjects printed on unusual backgrounds, including handmade paper.

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I had the pleasure of speaking with Alyson Stanfield on The Art Biz podcast. We talked about my experience of using an intermittent daily practice as a manageable way to fuel creativity and build momentum. We do this annually in my Weave Through Winter online class, which takes place every February. I look forward to participating in this monthlong challenge every year with the group. We get started in a couple of weeks – learn more about the class.

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If you’re in Bangkok, Craig Ancelowitz, who works for Awagami Paper in Japan, is having an exhibition at ATT 19. Lines on Paper runs January 23 – March 30, 2025. In conjunction with Craig’s exhibition, Mieko Fujimori, the master indigo artist at Awagami Factory, will be offering two workshops on February 8th and 9th. Participants will have the unique opportunity to engage with Anczelowitz during exclusive talks, where they will explore topics ranging from design and art to Japanese paper, as well as gain valuable insights into the realities of the creative business world.

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Paper Tidbits

• We’ll be exploring folded forms at the annual Red Cliff Paper Retreat, August 18 – 22, 2025. In person!
• I have one spot left in my Papermaking Master Class, Sept 29 – Oct 3. Also in person.
• I am considering attending the IAPMA Congress in China next fall. Are you?

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