My last blog was all about creating with paste paper.On the left is one of my pages. I like the filmy watercolor look it has.Here is my own version of a haiku poem about the experience.
Gliding over wet paper
Colors float in fluid paste
Slowly art emerging.
Next step: create the book.
The large sheet of paper is folded, torn into four sections with deckle edges, those lovely,ragged borders on handmade paper. Fold and score the paper, then tear it over a hard edge.The book can be horizontal, or vertical in shape, depending on the artist's vision. I chose the taller size to fit my own verse.
Essentially one paper, painted on both sides, folds and becomes four pages. There is a good reason to pick the same colors and painting style for some sense of continuity. However, expect the unexpected! I included some plain sheets and rice paper for contrast and a different writing surface.
This open page I am showing is all written in the uncial style of calligraphy.I liked its linear quality for this poem. I wrote with watercolors that echoed those of the paste paper page. I cut out windows to showcase words; added designs to decorate; things to make me smile. Finally, the sheets were sewn together into a book of sixteen pages, plus cover.
Every page is a surprise when using paste paper and poetry.
I spent the weekend in the wonderful world of decorating my own paper. Paste paper to be specific. My transformed pages became the basis of a book, filled with my own poetry. I was inspired by both where I was, and what I was doing. My verse was all done in calligraphy.
I started out with lovely blank sheets of good quality paper, Arches text wove was the choice. Next comes the fun of choosing colors. Liquid acrylic paint works the best. Three or four colors are enough to make a finished book. I chose a blue, green, and magenta red. Plus a purple evolves when the red and blue overlap. I found a glitter white I added to the mix. Always good to soften the colors,and what joy to have a hint of sparkle.
Using good quality paint is worth it for blending and consistency. You do get what you pay for. The liquid form is easiest to mix. Next comes the mixing of the paint and the paste. Formerly I have used a home made paste of flour blended with the paint in a certain ratio. Nowadays, there is a prepared mixture to blend. It saves on the fuss and mess, but I kind of miss the purity of starting from scratch.
Then the fun begins. The paper gets moistened, and the paint applied. Paint brushes are good tools, so are cut up sponges. There are those that liken it to finger painting.It is good to loosen up. I found it fun to use like watercolor. As I manipulated the paper, paint would run and give a dripped quality that appealed to me at that moment. It is also intriguing to use stencils, or draw designs in the wet paint.
I did four sheets. Keeping them all in the same hues created an automatic harmony and cohesiveness from page to page.Very important for the next step. Stay tuned....
