Saturday, January 12, 2013

Japanese Papers

I love the size of this paper, 24 x 39 in, a longer rectangle than usual which means you react to the shape differently. It a thin and translucent, creases easily, with a soft surface. Rubbing vine charcoal on it with my fingers meant using the gentlest of touches. And by the time I had finished the drawing [Matchbox] charcoal had seeped through the paper so I decided that I would try powered graphite on the next drawing [Floor plan]. It has a silvery, lighter look, with out the dramatic black. I like its subtlety though; rather like something left behind, forgotten or hinted at.


Floor plan, graphite, 24 x 39, 2013

Matchbox, charcoal, 39 x 23, 2013

10 comments:

  1. These look beautiful, Liz. The delicacy of the paper adds a feeling of impermanence which is quite poetic.

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    1. Thank you Altoon, the paper is so lovely to use, quite skin like.

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  2. I love your work, Liz, and love how you share your process and thoughts. It makes me want to go into the studio and work.

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  3. that fine Japanese paper requires the very lightest touch!
    & hmmm powdered graphite... I should be saving all my 5H shavings!!!

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    1. It's quite wonderful how each paper demands to be treated. I have been using my fingers and hands to blend but will try some large soft brushes today. Let me know how your work out.

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  4. I too love the silvery softness, and delicacy of graphite, but I'm also in the process of being seduced by the velvety richness of charcoal black. It's great to see the direct comparison as you've shown it here, both have such potential.

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    1. Wendy, Altoon suggested a charcoal that I didn't know called Char-Kole, the black is gorgeous and am now experimenting to see how it blends into the paper.

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  5. Oh Liz. These are beyond beauty, I am beyond speech.

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    1. Oh Fiona, thank you, so lovely of you to say/write. Hope you are OK with all the extreme weather and fires.

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I appreciate your thoughts and comments; thanks for taking the time.