wasp nests

These are exquisite. Wasps nests are a form of paper made from wood pulp mixed with wasp saliva and layered into a nest. Why do I love them so much? All my favourite materials and forms...paper, wood, pulp, bodily fluids :), layers, nests. And in such a fragile form. How can you not be moved by them!






And the textures and layers and composition in these larger ones are truly abstract works of art.

speaking of paper...

Last night I was watching PBS and came across an incredible documentary on Independent Lens called Between the Folds. It was all about the process of origami and highlighted many aspects of paper-folding. From paper-making paper folders, to theoretical scientists using origami to solve physics and engineering problems, to educators using origami to teach geometry, to fine artists who fold their way to unique creations. I can't say enough about it...fascinating, inspirational, beautiful, elegant, delightful! Here is the trailer.

Although most of the origami world focuses on model-making and the technical aspects, there are some who elevate paper folding to a fine art form. One of my favourite segments was an interview with origami artist Paul Jackson, where he describes how just one fold can lead to many creative options.

He goes on to show his work with organic abstract forms. Although the more representative origami forms done by many of the artists are very impressive, these are closest to my heart! I have included some below. Go to his website to see more.

And here are some wonderful pieces from the artists of Crimp, a group of French paper crumpling artists.

vincent floderer

alexis merat

romain chevrier

Keep your eyes open for this film on PBS (or buy the DVD). It's wonderful! I am still tingling...

partial to paper

A few ways to manipulate paper...

tearing/ripping

scoring/folding

quilling

slotting/slitting

piercing

embossing/impressing

fluting

weaving

wrapping

wrinkling/crumpling

sewing/puckering

casting

mask

I generally don't like masks. They scare me a bit. But I like making mask forms from plaster. I love the process. That element of trust and contemplation while under the plaster and the feeling of re-birth as it is peeled off. Once I have a mask I have little desire to embellish it. I like to leave them white...not so scary. But in the attempt to prepare for a mask-making workshop I am giving in October, I decided to do something with one of my white masks. I collaged it with some of the paper I had prepared in Haliburton and added a few extra elements. Here's the result. A little creepy I think...but I have only myself to blame :)

more reliquaries...

despite harm (2009), 4½” x 4½”, cast paper, washi, silver, tangerine tree thorn, ink

despite harm (detail)


thwarted (2008), 7½” x 7½”, cast paper, beech seed pods, waxed linen cord

thwarted (detail)

seeking tenderness (2008), 4½” x 4½”, cast paper, silver, washi

seeking tenderness (detail)

papeterie saint-armand

I am a fan of Saint Armand paper and have been wanting to visit their mill for quite some time now. Last year at an artist trading card gathering, I was fortunate enough to meet the owners, David Carruthers and Denise Lapointe, who also belong to the group. They are lovely people and invited me to drop by for a tour. I never did manage to make it, but when a friend of mine who had some business there invited me to come along, I took the opportunity to finally visit. What an amazing place! The sign above is the only indication of where they are located. Once inside, it's like entering another world. Here are some photos (especially for you Lynne!).

And that's the end of the tour. Thanks for joining me!