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Gallery

Paper Baskets and Vessels

	Paper has, for centuries, been utilized as a recording medium, either by receiving words and images (writing, etc.) or by becoming the message itself (life is fragile). Although my paper baskets and vessels may look empty, each one records how I experienced a life moment. The design and colors hold my observations and emotional responses, while the manipulation of the handmade paper pulp collects the kinetic energy I expended during the creative process. Each work becomes a visible marking, a recording, a clue to something beautiful and important that has passed, but lingers in the vessel's interior space.
Frozen Lace Vessel hand-dyed cotton and abaca paper pulp 18"w x 12"h
Flying X Basket hand-dyed cotton and abaca paper pulp 19"w x 12"h As seen in Lark Books' 500 Baskets	Flying X Vessel Interior
Pisces Basket hand-dyed cotton and abaca paper pulp 21"w x 13"h	Pisces Basket Interior
Star Bridges Basket hand-dyed cotton and abaca paper pulp 19"w x 14"h	Star Bridges Interior	Star Bridges Detail

Technique

These large baskets and vessels are made from a mixture of abaca and cotton paper pulp. The pulp is dyed into a spectrum of individual colors, then each color (or a mixture of colors for a tweed-like effect) is inlaid and shaped by hand into the intended design. Each basket and vessel is double-walled for strength which allows the artist to create different designs on the exterior and interior of the shape. After the wet pulp dries, additional paper-formed embellishments (dots, disks, tubes) are added for a rich textural surface.

If you are interested in these and/or other paper baskets and vessels for an exhibition or to purchase, please contact Carolyn at Dahlstudio@aol.com.

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