Paper lovers, book lovers, paper historians: we’re just a strange bunch. Happily, the MacArthur Foundation has recognized one of the nicest papermakers and paper historians with this year’s Genius Award:

Timothy Barrett is an internationally recognized master craftsman and paper historian who is preserving and enhancing the art of hand-papermaking through his work as a practitioner, scholar, and teacher. Combining the skills of artist, ethnographer, scientist, and historian, he documents and demonstrates centuries-old hand-papermaking practices that may otherwise be lost. As the founding director of the papermaking facilities at the University of Iowa Center for the Book – the only program in the United States that focuses on making Western- and Japanese-style paper by hand – he has trained a generation of papermakers to create conservation-sound paper. His Japanese Papermaking: Traditions, Tools, and Techniques (1983) draws on research he conducted in Japan on the history of paper as well as his experience as a papermaking practitioner; this groundbreaking volume compiles (for Western audiences) essential knowledge about the unique qualities of handmade Japanese paper, which is a fundamental repair material for all conservators. Synthesizing his deep understanding of various papermaking traditions of the east and west and innovative, modern techniques, Barrett has developed a variety of specialty and production papers to address the needs of book and paper conservators. Among his many conservation projects, he and his co-workers fabricated the handmade archival paper used to re-house the Declaration of Independence, the Bill of Rights, and the Constitution as part of the “Charters of Freedom Re-encasement Project” in 2002. Deeply committed to the preservation and future of his art form, Barrett continues to enrich the fields of hand-papermaking, paper conservation, and the history of paper.

http://www.macfound.org/site/c.lkLXJ8MQKrH/b.5458003/k.9768/Timothy_Barrett.htm

Handmade Paper from UICB

What does this have to do with wedding invitations, you ask?  The lokta paper that we use for a number of our designs has been made the same way for about 1200 years. It’s made using what may be the earliest technique for hand papermaking, invented  about 2,200 years ago.

How’s that for honoring tradition?

Susan Cutts - "After Degas"

This paper sculpture dress by Artist Susan Cutts, is made from gampi paper (handmade by the artist) — the corset is sewn, and coated with kakishbu (a fermented juice) that gives the paper a leathery look and feel.

Degas Little Dancer

Tipping the toe to Degas’  ”Little Dancer” (Photo from Guardian UK)

More from Susan Cutts – this dress/sculpture made from handmade paper (made by the artist) is just breathtaking:

Fairytale: Paper Sculpture by Susan Cutts

Cutts has pieces in ‘Paper Runway” for the year, Atlanta Airport.