Experiments with Paper

I started off my studio practice this semester by experimenting with ways to dye library catalogue cards. My goal is to be more precise in the way I approach materiality in this body of work; reducing the pulp to a single material source is the first step. By comparing the results of dyed blended pulp vs. pre-blended torn paper, I sought to determine the best process for achieving accurate and vibrant color. I prepared two dye baths and allowed the paper to absorb the dye for several days. The pre-blended pulp dye bath produced more uniform and vibrant color but required a longer process to separate the pulp from the dye solution. Although the torn paper dye bath was resulted in more dull, uneven color, it was easier to separate from the dye solution. The torn cards also sat in the dye bath for a long time causing the paper fibers to break down too quickly during blending. This made it difficult to create pulp with bits of legible text. The next step will be to cast a set of leaves to determine the strength of the fibers and the durability of the leaf once it drys.

Torn paper in dye bath

Pre-blended pulp in dye bath

Pulp made from dyed torn paper