Artisan Delves into the Past of Papermaking's Evolution
In a creative fusion of art, science, and history, artist Fiorella Shalat has embarked on an intriguing project at the Crane Museum and Center for the Paper Arts. This venture, which aims to bring more attention to the art of handmade paper, was initiated after Shalat visited the museum in Dalton, Massachusetts and met Museum Director Peter Hopkins.
Shalat's artwork illustrates the process of making paper, from the transformation of used cotton rags to the final, sized paper. To visualise her artwork at a distance, the artist drew a large piece of paper on a wall. However, the drying issue proved to be a challenge. Shalat resolved this by pressing the paper between a negative and positive form, a technique she developed through her experience as an artist, her rigorous training as an architect, and her love for science and physics.
The designs for the artwork were based on historical material collected from Fabriano, the Crane Museum, and the Internet. Shalat spent time in Fabriano, Italy, home to one of the oldest paper mills in the world, to gather inspiration. Her project at the Crane Museum was to explore the history of paper-making.
Working closely with Museum Director Peter Hopkins, Shalat managed to overcome the problem of uneven drying in the artwork. The finished artwork, a mix of paper embossing and bas-relief sculpture, will be displayed at the Crane Museum.
In addition to the artwork, Shalat is planning to organise workshops at the Crane Museum and in Fabriano, Italy, in collaboration with museum directors. She is also experimenting with creating a line of wall art for public purchase. A celebration for the project is being planned at the Crane Museum, with details available on their Facebook page.
The experience at the Crane Museum has deepened Shalat's relationship with the institution. She finds making things from scratch, whether cooking, making art, or creating, to be satisfying and a mix of craft, art, and creativity.
For more information about the Crane Museum and online art courses, visit crane.com or watch a YouTube clip. Shalat's project at the Crane Museum and Center for the Paper Arts is a testament to the power of creativity and collaboration, and a celebration of the art of handmade paper.
Shalat's discussions with Museum Director Peter Hopkins extended to creating workshops, wherein she intends to share her knowledge of paper-making at both the Crane Museum and Fabriano, Italy. Moreover, Shalat's artistic exploration of paper-making has led to her conceptualizing a home-and-garden line of wall art for public purchase.
