Woven Paper
I’m fortunate to have the opportunity to meet talented artists across the country in my travels, as well as many who live locally. I have the above artwork on the wall above my computer in the shop, where I see and enjoy it every day. Created by artist Theresa Martin (who will be with us in the Annex this weekend for the Open House and Pop Up Holiday Market selling some of her amazing artwork), it is my inspiration for this week’s blog. Theresa is a Paper Whimsy designer and used one of their gorgeous images and used a variety of metallic pens to doodle on black paper that she cut into strips and wove. And whether at home or traveling, one of my favorite places goes by different names depending on where you are: “dog pounds,” swap stop, freebie table, etc. We have one every month when our JAMs group meets, and it’s great to see the adage “one person’s trash is another person’s treasure” in action. While in Virginia Beach for Art & Soul, I found both white and black papers already cut into 1"-2" strips on a free table....and I snagged them. What artist Catherine Anderson had used them for, or trimmed them off of originally, I have no idea. So, Theresa has provided the starting point of inspiration, and Catherine donated some of the supplies for my latest playtime experiment. I used my super fantastic white Uni-ball Signo Broad Gel Pen to doodle on the cut black strips. I actually found that the smaller size paper was easier for me to doodle on...less intimidating: I don’t think I would have the patience to face a whole 8½" x 11" sheet! The white strips were printed using a Gel Printing Plate, rubbing plates from Cedar Canyon, various paints and a brayer. (I have to admit that it would have been faster if I had a larger printing plate with me, but I was not deterred!) I brayered my paint onto the gelli plate, then stamped the rubbing plate (above, the impression left by one of the Op Art plates) into the paint, lifted the plate off and laid the strips of paper side by side onto the plate and gently rubbed to transfer the paint. Because of the size of the strips, I picked the plates, such as Triangles that have smaller patterns. I repeated the process and flipped the strips as needed to cover the one side completely. Before beginning to weave my strips together, I cut them all into narrower widths. Below are my completed woven paper pieces. What to do with them now? Have to tune in next week to see!
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