My experiments in paper weaving continue. The more I work in this medium, the more excited I am about the possibilities for interaction between formal woven structures and painted or photographed imagery. They can reinforce each other, or disrupt each other, or both. My imagery right now is inspired by the songbirds I observe, both their bright colors and their songs. How do you convey birdsong visually?
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| Dawn Chorus 1. weaving 7.5" x 11.75"; overall 12" x 15". watercolor. (c) Molly Elkind 2024 |
Collage-ers gotta collage. I'm really enjoying juxtaposing multitple papers with different patterns in the same weave.
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| Dawn Chorus 2. weaving 12" x 23"; 21" x 31". acrylic, watercolor. (c) Molly Elkind 2024 |
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| Dawn Chorus 2, detail. weaving 12" x 23; overall 21" x 31". acrylic, watercolor. (c) Molly Elkind 2024 |
One of the great advantages of weaving structures in paper is that you are not limited by a specific number of shafts on your loom or by the threading or tie-up. This kind of weaving is basically a pick-up technique so you can vary each pick at will.
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| Four Bluebirds. weaving 15" x 11.5"; overall 19" x 14". watercolor, spray paint. (c) Molly Elkind 2024 |
One path I'm exploring involves weaving an all-white construction in a particular structure, painting it, unweaving it, and then re-weaving it in a different structure. The painted image is disrupted and fragmented by the white parts of the strips that show in the new weave, lending a flickering, blurred quality to the image. I suppose it's a rough sort of ikat.
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| Four Goldfinches. weaving 13" x 15.5"; overall 17" x 21". watercolor, spray paint. (c) Molly Elkind 2024 |
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| Four Goldfinches, detail. weaving 13" x 15.5"; overall 17" x 21". watercolor, spray paint. (c) Molly Elkind 2024 |
After making a number of small-scale weavings, I took the plunge and ordered a new, larger rotary paper cutter that can cut strips up to 28" long with incredible accuracy. I am enjoying beginning to work larger.
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| When completed, this piece will measure approximately 14.5" x 24.5". That's the Dahle paper cutter on the right, and my "loom" is now a section of cardboard cut from a large box. Double-stick tape holds down these "warps." |
Perhaps only a tapestry weaver would say that this is a fast process. But since I first started exploring this technique in early April, I've made 12 pieces I consider worthy of framing and adding to my inventory, as well as a number of studies and samples. It would take me 1-2 years to weave an equivalent number of tapestries. And the process of paper weaving, while physically taxing if I do it without breaks (which I now know not to do!) at least stresses different muscles and soft tissues than tapestry weaving does.
For me right now, the possibilities of exploiting the interaction of woven structure, image, and materials is so exciting that I'm developing a new class about it. Stay tuned--and let me know if you’re interested!
PS. I really appreciated your comments on last month's post about the pieces you liked best. Please feel free to weigh in on these too!
13 comments:
I love this new exploration you’re on. It is so fun when the “what ifs” start. I would definitely be interested in a class.
Loving this. Tried one in sketch book over the weekend and now adding stitches. Looking forward to learning more. Especially how to handle those strips and making them behave!
Love these... particularly the movement and flow of Dawn Chorus 2.
Love this paper weaving! Years ago I took my grandson’s preschool paintings, cut them apart & wove back together with yarn. Can’t wait to see where you go with paper weaving.❣️
I love that rotary paper cutter. When I started doing this, I used a pasta maker machine!
Ellen Smith
Hooray! These are wonderful. I especially love Dawn Chorus 2. So much movement!
Molly!!!
These are wonderful!! Collage is a medium that you like and it likes you. Are you going to design any traditional tapestries from your work? Just thinking of how you use collage as part of your design process for more traditional tapestries. They are certainly able to stand on their own as a work of art. Collage and paper weave on!
Definitely an exciting new direction!!! Really intrigued by the list effect.
Many thanks to all who have read and commented! So far I'm letting these stand on their own and not trying to translate them to tapestry designs. Yet. I am thinking of using a paper shredder to make strips but haven't tried it yet. And I've tried weaving with thread/yarn as well as paper and want to explore that further. Onward, paper weavers of the world!
Dear Molly, these are incredible, and the use of watercolors is perfect as it bridges the gap from watercolor (uncut) to tapestry (wool medium). I may be teaching an introduction to tapestry weaving course in this Fall, so may I print out this blog to share with students? (email: info@tabithagilmore-barnesstudio.com)
Please keep up this great work, and thank you for sharing these, Tabitha Gilmore-Barnes, https://tabithagilmore-barnesstudio.com
I am so excited by this body of work. I was hoping you would teach a class! Please let me know when and where and thank you for sharing your beautiful work and process.
These are wonderful!!!
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