The Craftsman Delves into the Ancient Art of Paper Manufacture
Fiorella Shalat's Inspirational Journey at the Crane Museum
Fiorella Shalat, a talented artist, has recently completed an artist-in-residence project at the Crane Museum and Center for the Paper Arts. This project, a unique blend of paper embossing and bas-relief sculpture, illustrates the process of making paper from used cotton rags to the final product.
The journey began when Shalat was introduced to the Crane Museum by its Director, Peter Hopkins. The connection deepened as she delved into the museum's resources, particularly focusing on the history of paper-making.
To master the traditional process of dry embossing, Shalat relied heavily on her experience, training, and love for science and physics. However, she faced a challenge: uneven drying of the paper during the process. Hopkins provided valuable insights that helped solve this problem, with the solution being the pressing of the paper between a negative and positive form.
Shalat's artwork is characterised by a spontaneous, flowing line translated into paper, with a contrast of flat and abruptly raised areas. The design was developed through quick sketches and drawing at a larger scale. The images of paper making in the artwork come from historical material collected from Fabriano, Italy, the Crane Museum, and the Internet.
In pursuit of perfection, Shalat experimented with various techniques to improve her artwork. This quest took her to an ancient papermill in Fabriano, Italy, where she gained invaluable insights into the art of handmade paper.
The project culminated in a celebration, details of which can be found on the Crane Museum's Facebook page. The finished artwork will be displayed at the museum, and workshops are being organised at the Crane Museum and in Fabriano, Italy, in collaboration with museum directors.
In addition, Shalat is planning to create a line of wall art for public sale, aiming to bring more people to appreciate the art of handmade paper. This project is a testament to Shalat's dedication to her craft and her passion for sharing it with others.
Stay tuned for more updates on Fiorella Shalat's work and the upcoming workshops at the Crane Museum and in Fabriano, Italy.
Fiorella Shalat plans to bring more people to appreciate the art of handmade paper by creating a line of wall art for public sale, which is a testament to her dedication to her craft and passion for sharing it. As she continues to expand her artistic ventures, Shalat's work and upcoming workshops at the Crane Museum and in Fabriano, Italy, promise to incorporate elements of both home-and-garden décor and an inspirational lifestyle, inviting others to experience and learn about the history and process of handmade paper.
