Artist Delves into the Ancient Art of Papermaking History
In a unique collaboration with museum directors, artist Fiorella Shalat is set to organise workshops at the Crane Museum and in Fabriano, Italy. This venture stems from her residency at the Crane Museum and Center for the Paper Arts, an invitation extended following her admiration for the museum's rich history and expertise in fine papermaking techniques.
Shalat's project at the Crane Museum resulted in a stunning artwork that pushed the boundaries of paper embossing. Inspired by the process of making paper from used cotton rags, her creative process combined traditional and innovative methods. She meticulously modelled a bas-relief sculpture, considering the interplay of light and shadow to enhance its depth. The design was then transferred into a form suitable for embossing, with a careful balance of detail and subtlety to ensure the texture and dimensionality would come through effectively in the paper.
The artwork illustrates the intricate process of papermaking and will be hung in the Crane Museum, with a celebration of the project in the works. Shalat's approach was hands-on and experimental, aiming to push the boundaries of what paper embossing and relief sculpture could communicate artistically.
To overcome the challenge of uneven drying during the paper embossing process, Shalat worked closely with Museum Director Peter Hopkins. Her project also took her from Massachusetts to an ancient papermill in Fabriano, Italy.
In addition to the artwork, Shalat is experimenting with creating a line of wall art for public availability. She is passionate about bringing more people to experience the joy of handmade paper and is planning to organise workshops.
The Crane Museum, associated with Crane & Co, the oldest paper mill in the United States, traces the history of paper-making in the country since Revolutionary times. For more information about the project celebration, visitors are encouraged to check the museum's Facebook page. Images of paper making come from historical material collected from Fabriano, the Crane Museum, and the Internet.
The Crane Museum and Center for the Paper Arts can be visited at crane.com. Information about online art courses and programs at the institution can be found on the website and by talking to an Admissions Advisor. A YouTube clip about the Crane Museum and Center for the Paper Arts is also available.
Shalat intends to organize workshops, sharing her expertise in paper art, pertaining to both her lifestyle and home-and-garden interests, at the Crane Museum and in Fabriano, Italy, as a continuation of her project. Her planned workshops aim to inspire others to experiment with handmade paper, encouraging a broader appreciation of this tactile art form.
