Japanese Papermaking
Instructor Amy Richard

In House 2-Day Workshop at JCBA:
Saturday April 20, 2024 from 11 AM to 4 PM
and
Sunday April 21, 2024 from 12 to 4 PM
JCBA Diving Pelican Paper Mill at Building T10

Japanese handmade paper, known as washi, has long been admired for its strength, translucency, and unique presence. Ever since the process was introduced into the Japanese culture by Buddhist monks in the early seventh century, washi has been used as a substrate for painting, drawing, and printmaking. Recognizing the paper's special vibrance, Rembrandt went to great lengths to obtain washi for many of his etchings.

Made from the inner bark of the paper mulberry tree (referred to as "kozo" in Japan), the paper is formed by generating a sequence of "waves" with a slurry of water and pulp across a bamboo screen laminating layers of pulp to create each sheet. Like so many aspects of Japanese cultures, the process is meditative and even therapeutic. Participants will experience first-hand the transformation from raw fiber into beautiful handmade paper. Using Florida-grown kozo fiber, harvested and prepared in advance by the instructor, the first day will begin with a brief introduction to the history of the process, including numerous demonstrations of fiber preparation. The second day will be spent learning and practicing sheet formation. Participants can expect to complete the workshop with 6 to 8 sheets of handmade paper.

TUITION & REGISTRATION

$250 general public / $225 FAU faculty & staff and students from other institutions / $125 FAU students. Advance registration is required for all JCBA workshops. To register, email JCBA Director John Cutrone at jcutrone@fau.edu. Class limit: 10.

Instructor

After working as a visual artist and science writer for many years, a fascination with hand papermaking processes led instructor AMY RICHARD to complete an MFA in the Book Arts at the University of Iowa, Center for the Book. Studying with renowned paper specialist Timothy Barrett, her focus was on melding traditional Japanese techniques with contemporary pulp painting and sculptural approaches to paper. Her work can be found in numerous private and public collections including the Smithsonian, Newberry Library, University of Florida, Miami, and Iowa, among others. Richard lives in Gainesville, Florida, where she teaches art and papermaking out of her studio, online, and broader community. https://www.amyrichardstudio.com/