Explore the world of Paper Sculpture & Collage infused with the Japanese philosophy of Wabi-sabi, embracing imperfection, creativity, and the beauty of nature.

Dates:
Jan 17, 2024 - Feb 7, 2024

Levels: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced,
Workshop Fee: $695
Workshop Duration: 16 hours over 4 sessions (Wednesdays, 11am-3pm ET)
Workshop Location: Online
Class Size: 10

Note: This workshop will be held in a live, online format utilizing the Zoom platform.
Class meets on Wednesdays, Jan 17, 24, 31 & Feb 7 from 11am-3pm ET.

Wabi-sabi is an ancient and deeply held philosophy closely tied to Japanese culture. Wabi-sabi sees the beauty in imperfection, appreciates simplicity, and accepts that change is inevitable.

Wabi-sabi - Paper Sculpture and Collage example 1 - By Jacqueline Mallegni

This four-part series is an invitation to immerse yourself in a creative process with natural materials. The philosophy of Wabi-sabi will be our guide as we explore the myriad of possibilities using natural materials to create perfectly/imperfect sculptures. The series will begin by making non-traditional textured paper using flax roving for collage. The following weeks will focus on making a mold with wire mesh and plaster cloth for casting and building armatures with rattan using a lashing technique. Your textured paper will be applied over the form creating an organic fiber sculpture.

Wabi-sabi - Paper Sculpture and Collage example 2 - By Jacqueline Mallegni

Students are encouraged to forage for inclusion materials and to continue making paper between sessions. All skill levels are welcome.

Materials for Students to have or order (See links below):

  • 8 oz each, Flax roving (natural & bleached)
  • wire mesh
  • plaster cloth
  • 8 oz PVA glue
  • fiberglass window screen (36” x 84” roll)
  • sponge
  • 1” chip brush
  • plastic sheeting (for worktable)
  • 1-2 quart bowl
  • scissors
  • measuring tape
  • painters tape
  • cloth towels
  • plastic wrap

Wabi-sabi - Paper Sculpture and Collage example 3 - By Jacqueline Mallegni

Inclusions:

Decorative paper, natural fiber thread, plant/earth pigments, ink, and stains for mark-making.

Resource List:

Flax Roving, which costs around $20 from any of the following outlets:

  • Halcyon Yarn, Bath, Maine. www.halcyonyarn.com (Natural or bleached only)
  • Paradise Fibers, Spokane, WA. (Natural or bleached only) https://www.paradisefibers.com
  • Santa Fe Wool https://www.santafewool.com/shop/mallegni-kit
    ** Get a 15% discount at SFe Wool. Use code PAPERRAIN15 at checkout (as of 11/2/2023)

PVA Glue: Lineco PVA glue (acid-free bookbinding glue) costs around $7 from these outlets:

Plaster Cloth costs around $5-$10 depending on the size you prefer:

Wire Mesh about $23 from:

Rattan and Waxed Linen Thread: about $20:

Another option in case Frank’s is out is the Caning Shop, Berkeley, CA, https://www.caning.com/html/product/RR.html

 ** Narrow diameter basket weaving round reed works well too. Can be purchased at Amazon.

All images copyright Jacqueline Mallegni.

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Instructor: Jacqueline Mallegni

Jacqueline Mallegni's creative journey has taken many twists and turns over the years. Her fiber art/mixed media sculptures have received awards and are exhibited internationally. She is a member of IAPMA (International Association of Hand Papermakers and Paper Artists), North American Hand Papermakers, the New Mexico National Museum of Women in the Arts, WEAD (Women’s Environmental Artists Directory), and the American Craft Council and maintain a studio in Northern New Mexico. She has facilitated workshops since 1992.

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