Finding a Retirement Career
It’s been many years (10 plus) since I’d seen or touched any of my art materials. It’s a whole new world of YouTube videos and online tutorials, and all-new gadgets and supplies. Who would’ve known that there are consumer-available machines out there that will automatically download (or upload!) designs and cut paper, fabric, and even leather in no time at all? So, I’ve been spending my newly acquired time watching YouTube videos and tutorials, trolling Pinterest, and Etsy, and Googling information on how-tos. I’m amazed at the amount of information that can be acquired with a simple search. Who knew there’d be a tutorial on how to straighten out your tassel yarn? (By the way, ironing, hair straightening iron, and hot water are the suggestions given.)
Re-Cycle, Re-Purpose
So, what am I working on? Every week it changes. Sometimes it’s papermaking, paper weaving, shibori dyeing, sashiko stitching, collage, etc. My goal is to recycle, upcycle, reuse, and re-purpose as much as I can, using easily attainable materials. This includes giving new life to various papers (magazines, newspapers, books, tissue, and origami) and transforming them into beads, tubes, and paper weavings. Yarns and twine can be reworked into tassels and weaving materials. Fabric scraps can be dyed and stitched with a new purpose. And frequently I’ll then use cardboard as a mounting background or a mat board to finish and frame.
Paper is My Main Medium
I’ve always had a love for paper. Even a stark white sheet in a matte, gloss, or textured finish has endless possibilities for an art piece. Whether you paint, cut, tear, or use it in weaving, it can be art or an enhancement to the art.After seeing photos of paper weaves, and the mixing of papers, colors, and textures, it intrigued me to try my hand at it. Many years later, I’m still enamored by the art of paper weaving. I like the unpredictability of what the final piece will look like. I’ve branched out to include other elements such as fabrics or threads and yarns.
Even the “lowly” tissue paper can be transformed into a beautiful translucent weaving. When I experimented using rough-torn edges of different papers, I found they give an added dimension to a weave. Even the use of paper shreddings is a way of upcycling recycled materials. And, I’m sure due to my Asian heritage, I’m drawn to the beauty of origami papers. Lately, I’ve started shibori dyeing on paper. Therefore, you may notice an Asian “flavor” in my pieces.Look Again Art encompasses my philosophy of what my art represents. Details that are overlooked at first glance, as well as, the re-purposing of materials in new and different ways.In future postings, I will share stories about some of the art and how it came to be. Each piece has a story, and I look forward to sharing some of these with you.
