Lectures/Workshops

Garment as Metaphor: The Paper Works of Erica Spitzer Rasmussen

Through PowerPoint slides and stories, Spitzer Rasmussen discusses the development of her sculptural and wearable works. Regarding her paper garments, she has stated, “I used clothing as subject matter because it allows me a ground on which to investigate identity and corporeality. My garments can encompass narrative qualities, illustrate and dissolve bodily fears, or act as talismanic devices; to protect myself and loved ones from physical injury or psychological harm.” In addition to addressing the conceptual aspects of her work, Spitzer Rasmussen also discusses her embellishing techniques with non-archival media. (1 hour)

Mutable Reflections: Historic and Contemporary Paper Garments

Starting in the 10th century AD, this presentation examines the evolution of paper clothing from around the world. Slides include paper garments from various museums including: the Minnesota History Museum, the Goldstein Gallery, the Fashion Institute of Technology, the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Arts and Design, the Mingei International Museum and the Victoria and Albert. The work of numerous living artists and designers is featured as well. Corresponding paper products will circulate throughout the presentation. (1 hour)

From Bubble Wrap to Bottle Caps: Embellishing Handmade Paper with Everyday Media

This two day workshop features low-tech methods for surfacing paper with inexpensive and commonplace materials. Among other things, dental floss, Band-Aids, red wine, beet juice, rusty washers, tomato paste, fire and instant cocoa can provide surprisingly beautiful results.  Students leave with a hand bound swatch book which documents various media and techniques.  Ten hours of instruction.  Supply fee, $20 per student.

Drawing in Stitches: Non-Traditional Embroidery

In this two day workshop, students learn to stabilize and embellish paper  to create unique grounds for hand stitched imagery.  Motifs and narratives are developed from such sources as clip art, handmade stamps and freehand drawings.  Non-conventional threads, such as wire, dental floss and horse hair, are used in conjunction with floss and simple stitching techniques to create personalized and tactile compositions.  Ten hours of instruction.  Supply fee, $20 per student.

Sculptural Approaches to Handmade Paper

In this five day workshop, students explore methods of manipulating paper into three dimensional forms.  With the assistance of prefabricated molds and hand constructed armatures, students produce numerous sculptural and expressive objects. Low shrinkage fibers are used in conjunction with the following techniques: sheet lamination, pulp pouring and pulp casting.  Surfacing and finishing techniques are addressed as well.  The use of a paper shop is required for the execution of this workshop.  Supply fee, to be established.

Hand Painted and Hard Core

In this two day workshop, students use acrylic paints and simple embellishing techniques, such as stamping and rubbing, to decorate commercial papers.  These sheets are then incorporated into sophisticated binding structures, including a petal fold, an accordion and a Coptic stitch.  Students will leave with an assortment of unique hand bound hard covered blank books.  Ten hours of instruction.  Supply fee, $20 per student.

Soft Covered Blank Books

In the course of an afternoon or evening, students are introduced to a number of quick and easy binding techniques that make use of decorative and imported papers.  Book forms include a rubber band binding, a post binding, a match book, a pamphlet stitch, an accordion and a Japanese stab binding.  Students leave with a variety of soft covered blank books which can be repeated with ease.  Three hours of instruction.  Supply fee, $12 per student.