Lectures / Workshops

> From Bubble Wrap to Bottle Caps: Embellishing Handmade Paper with Everyday Media
This two day workshop features low-tech methods for surfacing paper with inexpensive and commonplace materials. In seeking economic and accessible media, kitchens, backyards, pharmacies, beauty shops, hardware stores, liquor stores and groceries become fertile grounds for inspiration. Among other things, dental floss, Band-Aids, red wine, beet juice, rusty washers, tomato paste, fire and instant cocoa can provide surprisingly beautiful results.

> Garment as Metaphor: The Paper Works of Erica Spitzer Rasmussen
Through slides and stories, Spitzer Rasmussen discusses the development of her sculptural and wearable works. Regarding her paper garments, she has stated, "I used clothing as subject matter because it allows me a ground on which to investigate identity and corporeality. My garments can encompass narrative qualities, illustrate and dissolve bodily fears, or act as talismanic devices; to protect myself and loved ones from physical injury or psychological harm." In addition to addressing the conceptual aspects of her work, Spitzer Rasmussen also discusses her embellishing techniques with non-archival media. (45 to 60 minutes)

> Mutable Reflections: Historic and Contemporary Paper Garments
Starting in the 10th century AD, this presentation examines the evolution of paper clothing from around the world. Slides include paper garments from various museums including: the Minnesota History Museum, the Goldstein Gallery, the Fashion Institute of Technology, the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Arts and Design, the Mingei International Museum and the Victoria and Albert. The work of numerous living artists and designers is featured as well. Corresponding paper products will circulate throughout the presentation. (60 minutes)

> Packaging Yourself as a Professional
This presentation concentrates on preparing exhibition proposals. The dos and don'ts of presenting yourself as a serious and organized artist will be addressed. Cover letters, resumes, slides vs. CDs, artists' statements, etc. will be reviewed in order to catch a curator's eye. Handouts provided. (60 minutes)

> Sheet Formation without a Paper Shop
This demonstration features quick and easy, bare-bones, low tech methods for crafting sheets of paper without industry-standard papermaking equipment or running water. Materials (such as semi-processed plant fibers and sizing), resources (such as paper suppliers) and make-shift techniques will be addressed. Examples of handmade paper sheets will be circulated. Handouts provided. (45 to 60 minutes)

> Sculptural Approaches to Papermaking
This demonstration features simple, low tech methods for creating sculpted objects out of handmade paper. Materials (such as semi-processed plant fibers and sizing), resources (such as paper suppliers) and make-shift techniques will be addressed. Objects made by pulp casting, pulp pouring and sheet lamination will be circulated. Handouts provided. (45 to 60 minutes)

 

 

Artist and Educator