Paper: A seminar with Craig Horsfall

Material manufactured in thin sheets from the pulp of wood or other fibrous substances, used for writing, drawing, or printing on, or as wrapping material.

• It was invented in China approximately 2000 years ago.

• Paper is formed in a mould. All papers have a 'wire side' and a 'felt side'. 'mould side'/'pressing side'.

• Laid moulds create lines of different density within the paper.

• Machine made paper can be formed on a cylinder machine (individual sheets) or a foudrinier machine (rolls).

• Grain direction. movement, shake or belt direction determines the fibre distribution. long fibres are in one direction. paper fibres swell outwards.

• Fibres. Hemp (rags). The first archaeological discovery of paper was made from hemp.

• 1800 - the industrialisation of paper-making.

• Fibres. longer fibres = stronger paper.

• Sizing. Gives paper more strength and controls absorbency. gelatine, alum.

• Longevity and care. Agents of deterioration: light, heat, humidity, pollutants and acids.

• Is paper sustainable? circular economies - recycling, paper uses wastage from other manufacturing processes. pollutants in the paper-making process?

• gsm = grams per square metre

• Laid paper = parallel lines from the mould.

• Surfaces and textures. rough (cold pressed), smooth (hot pressed).

• OBA - optical brightening agents. blue dyes make fibres brighter.

• paper shops: John Purcell, Shepherds, Conservation by Design (Japanese papers!)

I learned about Japanese paper making when I studied mokuhanga printmaking. In making Japanese style woodcuts, I found it useful to trial prints using different papers in the Awagami sample pack. Different paper types and colours really affected the success of the print and the way the ink transferred to the paper. My favourite paper is Kitakata Green, a grey-green colour like murky bath water which is surprisingly warm in tone. I would like to try using oil-based relief inks on this paper to see how solid colour presents itself, or even a very black aquatint.

I love seeing the traditional process of hand-making washi by rocking the water and pulp back and forth in such a practiced movement. It's learning about this and being so reliant on how paper 'acts' under the various of conditions print-making that makes me want to continue learning.