SUMMER SCHOOL – Washi, The Papermakers Art with Elaine Cooper

Monday 21 July – Thursday 24 July

10am – 4pm

“Japanese paper is exquisite, whether delicate like gossamer, formed around leaves, petals or silk, or decorated with flakes of gold each sheet is an individual work of art. A millennium before paper was being made in the west Japanese papermakers were producing fantastic varieties of paper for a multitude of uses. The essentials have changed little over the centuries but the vision and finesse of the papermaker endures”

This four-day workshop is designed as an introduction to the varied and wonderful applications that are associated with the art of making WASHI Japanese handmade paper.

Washi is incredibly beautiful, versatile and strong.  Discover its versatility as an art medium and explore both traditional and modern processes to create decorative papers from natural fibres. Draw inspiration from Japanese techniques, practice laminating and water piercing, Japanese folds and paper manipulation. This fascinating hands-on workshop is fun, informative and suitable for beginners or anyone wanting to extend their knowledge.

Each day will be assigned to a different approach of working with the medium, experimenting with traditional techniques then creating contemporary papers suitable for print, textile and bookbinding, beginning with the principal raw materials.

• working with Japanese fibres KOZO, Mitsumata and Gampi.
• experience Chiritori cleaning the bark, beating and learn about formation aid (tororo-aoi).
• Nagashizuki (Japanese sheet forming)
• Tamezuki (Western sheet forming)
• moving on to create four different types of Washi, Tengujo (thin paper) Rakusuisui (water pierce) , Momigami (textile) and Embossing without the use of a press.

Working within the print studio the layout for working will be as follows: share of the vat for making Washi using A4 frame Sugeta /  separate vat for mixed fibre using western frames. There will be demonstrations on how to use western frames to create thin translucent sheets.

Students will be encouraged to develop personal imagery and bring examples of their work, lino or woodblock and any source material which they might like to develop in the latter part of the course. These will be used to further explore the potential of paper and print with cut and splice techniques.  Deconstructed prints/artwork can be either formed within a freshly made sheet or as a new print.

A truly inspirational 4 days where the ancient art of papermaking is explored and the many aspects of Washi and its versatility as an art medium is shared.

No experience required.

Light refreshments provided.

Elaine is now recognised as a world expert on handmade paper and a leading exponent in the use of Washi in art and design.

Find out more about her here https://www.washiartist.com/