The Process of Paper Art

All of the wall hangings and artwork that I create are made of handmade paper. The invention of hand papermaking is attributed to a Chinese monk named Tsai Lun and dates back to 101 AD, though there is now evidence proving an even earlier date. The papermaking process I work in is known as the western method of papermaking. I work with several different fibers; Abaca, Sisal, which comes from the Agave plant (a native South American plant), Cotton, and Hemp. Naturally, I can not grow these plants in my backyard in Cornish, NH, so I order them preprocessed and beaten, leaving me to rehydrate the fibers. I also process plant fibers from scratch, (harvesting, cooking, rinsing, and beating) to add texture and variety to my work. Examples of plants I have processed include Hosta, Rose petals, Loveage, Lily stems, and Queen Ann's Lace.

I beat my pulp in a Hollander Beater (a second hand David Reina Beater purchased from Richard Langdell of Langdell Papers in Topsham, VT). Plant fiber and water are placed in the trough of the beater and travel through the machine. A roll, similar to a gear shape, moves the water and fibers, and gently separates them as they are pressed between the roll and bedplate. While beating, I may add a few spoonfuls of spice or acrylic dye to add color. I then take the finished pulp and disperse it in a vat of water. I use a mold and deckle (a wooden screen), or a su (a removable bamboo screen) to form sheets of paper (known in the paper industry as a "wet leaf"). While the sheets are still wet, I embed plant fibers, dried botanicals, mirrors, and gems to create various compositions in each paper art creation.

Each wall hanging is unique piece of art and titled accordingly. I usually sit in front of the finished work, contemplate the initial inspiration, and listen to what the end product has to tell me. I often find inspiration for the titles in poetry, such as the work of T.S. Eliot, the Tao Te Ching, and Gary Snyder. It is my hope that the title will offer the viewer a personal connection to each work of paper art but will not limit ones own creative interpretation.

Contact information:
Angie Follensbee-Hall
follhall@gmail.com

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