The Sunday Paper #306
April 5, 2020

Paper of the Week: Book Light

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In the Studio:

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Holy smokes! Look at this tea house constructed from 4000 origami units. The structure was designed by Tokyo-based architect Kazuya Katagiri who, with the help of designer Akinori Inuzuka, came up with a method of folding a large piece of washi paper into a single interlocking unit with 2 pockets and 2 arms. I wonder who repeated the task 4000 times!

Earth Day is coming up later this month, and Vamp & Tramp Booksellers has curated a selection of artist’s books to celebrate the day. One of those featured is this collaborative book I made with Karen Kunc called LandEscape. Click through to read more and to see the other lovely books in the selection.
I enjoyed this smart article by John Yau about Chuck Webster’s new drawing and sculpture. His observations about Webster’s practice as it fits into a bigger picture are insightful. I don’t know for sure where the paper was made (I have an inkling) but I love how he documents and captures the process: “… the artist poured different layers of wet paper pulp onto the surface, then let each one dry before applying a different color. Each semi-transparent layer dries flat. The final work is a compressed record of all the different pours.”

I would love to visit this ‘botanical wall’ in the Netherlands, created by Minneapolis-based artist Ann Wood, who has created an international following for her incredibly lifelike re-creations of flowers, fruits and insects. She dissects real plants and then meticulously remakes them out of wood, wire and handmade paper, painstakingly reconstituting every detail.

Paula Beardell Krieg writes a wonderful blog, Playful Bookbinding and Paper Works, filled with paper projects relating to math (don’t let that put you off)! Here’s a recent post for children staying at home looking for something to do.

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The News from Here:
I think I am over the shock of COVID-19 and am settling into my new routine. I’m embracing the new: last night I attended an online memorial for friend from long ago (it was so touching to share stories from those who spent time with him then and more recently). My husband and I had take-out date night from a local restaurant that created an experience: the proprietor made a video telling us about the cocktails, the wine and how to prepare the meal (there was no dessert though!).
On Wednesday, I participated in Alyson Stanfield’s Teaching Art Online Summit. I know that many professors and teachers are having to learn to teach online on the fly. I admire them, because I remember how nervous I was when I started out in 2017! Many independent artists have been asking me for advice in recent weeks. Alyson put together a group of six artists who teach online, and each of us shared our experience in a 15-minute session, which was followed by a 15-minute Q&A. You can still access the entire summit for $37 (that’s a steal for the 4+ hours of content). And full disclosure, I will receive an affiliate commission if you sign up (that’s a good thing).
Speaking of teaching online, I have been contemplating a summer course, because it looks like I might have to postpone the two master classes that will take place in my studio. The other day I had an idea (this is a signal that I am over the shock of COVID-19, which was distracting me). I’m going to offer a technique-based class in which we’ll be exploring ways to combine paper and light. Stay tuned!
Making a face mask is next on my list today! Remember to help out where you can (it feels good), and stay safe and healthy.

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