Tacoma Mini-Workshop: Paper Voodoo
The Magic of Transforming Japanese Paper
Saturday, April 6th, 1-4pm
Location: 2926 South Steele Street, Tacoma
Presenter: Linda Marshall is the founder of Washi Arts specializing in Japanese paper tools and supplies. She has a background in design and marketing, and is passionate about inspiring artists to use traditional Japanese materials and techniques to create modern artwork.
Konnyaku is the powdered root of a perennial plant in Japan known by any of several names, including, voodoo lily, snake palm, elephant yam, and, devil’s tongue. It is traditionally used in Japan to make momigami (crinkled paper) kyosheishi (strong paper) and kamiko (paper clothing). Konnyaku gives Japanese paper a cloth-like consistency and light waterproofing.
In this workshop we’ll be using konnyaku to strengthen and soften Japanese washi / paper for use as cloth, collage, sculpture, textured paper, and interesting book forms.
Tool List:
- Cutting board, paper cutting knife, steel ruler
- Gloves and an apron
- Plastic bag or folio to transport any papers that are not fully dry
- Pencil and paper for notes + for labeling paper samples
- Container with lid to take home any excess konnyaku that may be available
- Any Japanese papers of your own you would like to try treating with konnyaku
Other:
Linda will be bringing examples from her personal collection to inspire you.
We’ll be working with the following papers
- · 100% kozo fiber washi (natural and dyed)
- · Mixed kozo / sulphite Japanese paper
- · Mitsumta fiber washi
- · Chiyogami (Yuzen)
- · Katazome-shi
- · Kyoseishi
You’ll leave with a set of samples for reference in your studio or to incorporate into your work, the knowledge of how to prepare konnyaku starch and how to trouble shoot issues with mixing it, a recipe size sample of konnyaku starch to take home, and printed instructions.
Workshop fee $20.
Space is limited, registration required. Registration opens March 1st.
For questions about this workshop email: Debbi Commodore commodoredr@icloud.com (email subject line: mini-workshop question)