The objective of my pulp pouring experiment was to create a large scale artwork by pouring a substantial amount of kozo mixture all at once onto my large mould 80x180 cm screen.
The idea was inspired by a u-tube on how large Japanese paper is made, which Helen Hiebert, the renowned handmade paper artist, uploaded in 2019. It took some time until I came up with local solutions that made this undertaking possible.
Supplies: large 180x80 cm mould (I use for pulp pouring techniques), 2 kg preprepared kozo, 2 sturdy ‘donkey’ legs, 200x500 cm bamboo fence and fish net, cut to size, 200x100 cm mesh, a wooden rod, waterproof heavy duty duct tape, a roll of heavy duty plastic sheet, 2 large clamps, 4 Ikea containers, a storage cabinet I have 65x45x200 cm that was the right hight width and depth for the project.
Work process: The bamboo fence was cut to the desirable size of 190x90 cm, and laid down over two sturdy ‘donkey’ legs, which functioned as a base for the large mould.
The rough bamboo surface was overlaid with a mesh in order to protect the large mould from damage.
Then the large mould was laid down on the mesh and fastened with two clamps one on each side.
I taped the fishing net to the mould's frame. I wished to use it for texture.
The cabinet was covered in heavy duty plastic and four containers were positioned side by side on top.
A rod was placed horizontally along the backs of the containers and held in place with duct tape.
Kozo was mixed with water to the desired consistency, then poured into the containers.
the mixture was stirred again before pouring.
The mould after the pulp mixture had been poured
I placed the mould upright to dry. When the sheet had dried, I carefully peeled it off the mould.
Some of the beautiful results were exhibited at the International Paper Exhibition Approach, Paper Toyota, Obara Paper Art Museum, Japan , 2021
