I have come away with an increased understanding and appreciation of the connection between nature and washi. I had a truly amazing experience to study with a master papermaker who is dedicated to keeping the traditions of washi alive and pure. Kamikoya is a unique place to experience truly traditional technique of all aspects of making paper.
Yearly Archives: 2009
Making Washi Part Two
After much fiber preparation, the anticipated moment of dipping the su and sugeta into the vat to form the washi arrived. Rogier demonstrated and then I made many attempts to get the correct angle of the su and sugeta going into the vat. I made more than ten tries before I got a sheet that was fairly even and without too many imperfections. I tried to get the feel of the movements needed to create a smooth flow of the fiber on the su, a very difficult thing. With the patient help of my teacher Rogier, I did finally produce twenty acceptable sheets of washi.
Making Washi Part One
I have learned that to make Japanese paper is to be in harmony with nature. It is a long and labor intensive process. Perfection and patience are required, both of which can translate to all that one strives to do. I have been fortunate to have studied with a man who respects and understands the traditions of washi, the making of Japanese paper. I spent a week making washi, at his beautiful studio in the mountains on the island of Shikoku. I traveled to Yusuhara to Kamikoya in Kochi prefecture to the home and studio of Rogier Uitenboogaart and his wife Chika. Under Rogier’s instruction I participated in all aspects of the creation of this beautiful paper which is both delicate and extremely strong. We cut down the kozo, stripped the bark, scraped the fiber and cleaned it, hand beat the fiber, and formed sheets of paper which dried on ancient boards in the sun. This is part one of Making Washi.
Home at my Studio
Over two months have passed since I have returned from Florence. I am left with inspiration and vivid memories, a few thousand photographs and video footage to edit. All my artwork arrived safely, and has been photographed and organized. In Spring, 2010 I will have an exhibition documenting my year long sabbatical. I have framed some of the prints created in Florence, and one of them has just received an honorable mention in a jured exhibition at the Lynn Arts Center in the “The Art of the Unique Print”.
Since returning, I have caught up with friends and colleagues and I have enjoyed sharing stories of my adventures living in Florence. It has been delightful to hear enthusiastic questions about my journey and what is was like to actually live in another country. It seems that many people share the same desire to stay and experience living somewhere else, and particularly in Italy. I was surprised how comfortable I felt learning the streets, the markets and I was elated when I could leave my map at home.
Ghibertti’s Doors
Walking to my studio each day was a continuing delight, as I passed by the Duomo, Campanile, Baptistry, the Gates of Paradise, San Lorenzo Cathedral, the Mercato Centrale, charming lanes and squares……………it was not as if I was lost, I just preferred to travel a different path each day.
Right out my door San Lorenzo Cathedral and market place………
My apartment was centrally located, I had a terrific landlady who helped me in so many ways, it was easy to get pretty much anywhere. I was also a five minute walk from the train station and bus stations which was a great way to get to Rome, Sienna, Tuscany and Cinque Terre.
When I returned to the Cape, I picked up where I left off and continued to do my woodcuts. I am also doing solar etching and using the image-on technique I explored in Italy. I have a great deal of visual material to use in my artwork. In addition I am finishing a number of book projects I began in Firenze.
On returning from Florence I began planning my trip to Japan to study papermaking. I selected an itinerary which turned out to perfect. One week in Kyoto and one week on the island of Shikoku making paper. The trip to Japan was planned for two weeks, and now in retrospect I wish it had been longer. I did however have an introduction to Japan and a very in depth paper making experience. I will elaborate with commentary, photos and video shortly.
Since I have returned, those whom I have come in contact with, and some are people I just know casually have shared a genuine sense of pleasure in my journey and what I have done. I really have appreciated all of your enthusiastic, questions, comments and responses.
More to follow………………….sara
Washi Introduction
Hard work at the vat as I am learning to make washi……….Japanese paper.