Date of Defense
4-17-2020
Date of Graduation
4-2020
Department
Art
First Advisor
Jeffrey Abshear
Second Advisor
Katie Platte
Abstract
The Art of Paper Making is an exploration into an overlooked field. My goal was to learn not only how to make paper, but how different materials and processes can change the final product. The process was not only for me though. I wanted to create a fun and informative way to document the papermaking process to present to those who aren’t familiar with it.
One of the biggest things that impacted my studies was the amount of time I would beat the paper pulp. The amount of time the pulp runs through the beater drastically changes the texture of the paper. Some batches I have beat pulp for only 30-45 minutes, some batches were beaten for an hour. By the end, I was beating the pulp for about 2 hours in order to get the desired texture. When the pulp is beaten longer, there are fewer and smaller chunks and bits in the paper. Instead, it is much more smooth and thin. A lot of time and effort goes into making paper: much more than is anticipated.
Making paper can be far different from what most expect. By creating a video, I intend to show people the way that paper can be created in the studio. Having access to a studio like this is uncommon for most so this is a great way for viewers to get a peak of what it looks like inside. The process of making paper entails quite a few steps and because of this, it is an art form for some. Watch the video and make your own conclusions. What is art? Is papermaking art? The main point of this project is to educate those on how to make paper and from their they can form their own thoughts and opinions.
Recommended Citation
Theys, Kristen, "The Art of Making Paper" (2020). Honors Theses. 3309.
https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/honors_theses/3309
Access Setting
Honors Thesis-Open Access
Thesis Video