"Weaving in a paper makers world" class #28 at www.theclearing.org
Students will start with making paper pulp with natural fibers ( hemp, paper wasp hives, pine needles) and continue with learning how to pull fiber sheets from a wet paper-vat. The dry paper sheets can be cut into strips and semi-dry paper rolled into small paper rods. The paper strips or rods are hand-weaved on a one foot square steel frame. Multiple steel frames can also be purchased ($15each) for 3-Dimensional designs or murals. Students may also bring a found-object to re-purposed as their metal weaving frame, any shape is ok, but not larger the 2'x2'. The one foot square frame will be plenty for beginning students. This weaving project can also be repeated and expanded a bond at home with various frames.
The weaving process entails warping a steel frame and weaving a 3-D form with the paper strips and rods. I will, step by step, demo with plenty of room for individual creativity.
Students will participate in open discussion art critiques (brain-storming) to unfold what is working and what is not! Students are guided through design elements, composition, and 3-D form. Each student will learn mixed media fiber technics and how to personally express ideas and feelings through abstracting the natural world.