Course Description
Introduction to the use of handmade paper as a versatile and sustainable medium for creative expression in two- and three-dimensional applications. Survey of traditional and contemporary hand papermaking processes, the introduction of the tools and techniques, and the exploration of the materiality and science of paper.
Additional Requirements for Graduate Students:
Graduate students will conduct primary source research, write a paper on their research, and make an oral and image-based presentation to the class. Each graduate student will also lead a class discussion from a required reading or based on a relevant article, video, or book.
Athena Title
Intro Papermaking
Prerequisite
ARST 1080
Undergraduate Pre or Corequisite
One 2000-level or 3000-level ARST or ARGD or ARID course
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
By the end of this course, students will be able to process raw materials (e.g., cotton, linen, abaca, and other natural cellulose fibers) to create works of art from handmade paper. Students will be able to execute the planning, production, and use of paper in both two- and three-dimensional applications. Students will understand the basic chemistry of hand papermaking and will be able to evaluate and analyze the specific properties of handmade paper to choose the appropriate fiber and processing method to execute their ideas. Students will become familiar with papermaking tools and equipment and successfully demonstrate studio etiquette and collaboration. Students will be able to apply techniques from multiple disciplines to the execution of works in the paper (e.g., plaster mold making, brazing metal armatures). By the end of the course, students will understand the technical vocabulary and methods for the production of handmade paper. Students will be able to situate the invention of paper in the timeline of world history and be able to contextualize the role of paper in the dissemination of information. Assignments will be given throughout the semester focusing on technical achievement as well as aesthetic concepts. Students will be assigned several readings and they will be able to process and contextualize the information via written responses and in-class discussions. Assessment of overall accomplishments will be formulated during discussions at studio critiques occurring regularly throughout the semester. Students will be able to engage in critique and conversation with a media-appropriate vocabulary and technical understanding, and with dialogue that is appropriate and mature.
Topical Outline
This course is an introduction to the use of handmade paper as a versatile and sustainable medium for creative expression in two- and three-dimensional applications. The course will provide a survey of traditional and contemporary hand papermaking processes, introduce the tools and techniques of the medium, and explore the materiality and science of paper (i.e., the use of natural cellulose fibers and their inherent characteristics). The course will cover the properties of paper including the fiber itself and variables that make each paper unique (e.g., hydrogen bonding, fiber length, strength, understanding anionic and cationic charges for pigmenting, and processing high shrinkage fibers). This course will consider paper not only as a substrate but as an artistic medium in and of itself; students will learn to process fibers to create work that capitalizes on fiber properties to make paper that can be used as a substrate, installation, or sculpture. The course will also present the history of a material that changed civilization by providing a stable and accessible mechanism for the delivery and storage of knowledge. Issues of sustainability and material ecology will also be addressed. Assignments will be given which explore these techniques and emphasize both conceptual development and technical achievement. Class time will be structured to include lectures, demonstrations, and reading discussions led by the instructor followed by studio work sessions. Visits to the Hargrett Rare Book & Manuscript Library are integrated into the syllabus and provide students the opportunity to view contemporary and historical examples of books and specimens of handmade paper.
Syllabus
Public CV