Bruce Bunting: Paper in Three Dimensions
November 6-24, 2020
Bruce Bunting: Paper in Three Dimensions
Opening reception: Friday, November 6, 5:00-8:00 PM
Gallery hours: Monday-Friday 9 AM – 5 PM
Please note, the Emporium will be closed Wed-Fri Nov 25-27 for the holidays.
Artist Statement
To many artists, paper is considered as a flat surface waiting to receive an image, line, or thought. It is used as a backdrop. However, paper can also be an artistic medium in its own right and can be used to produce sculptural and three dimensional shapes.
Paper is generally defined as derived from plant based cellulose fiber, processed into a pulp with large amounts of water to separate the individual fibers, and then entwine during the forming and drying processes. Proper preparation of the pulp will also promote chemically bonding between like fibers, further strengthening the resulting paper.
The wet pulp and can be formed over a screen as sheets, cast, stretched over forms, molded with stencils, or built into 3 dimensional shapes when wet or after drying. In addition, non-paper objects can be embedded into the paper as it is formed.
Different papers are quite varied; some papers are strong or weak, some are soft or hard, absorbent or non-absorbent, some have good wet strength for handling, some are difficult to form into fine features, and some have high or low shrinkage as they dry. All these characteristic affect the outcome of any paper forming technique.
The paper in this exhibit represents many of the techniques for forming three dimensional paper objects, including pouring, casting, stenciling, wet forming, dry forming, and embedding objects. I have adapted these for my studio and have tried various types of paper pulp with them. And in the process, I have discovered what helps me produce my artistic vision.
Biography
My introduction to paper making came from my work as an automotive engineer, which included a cellulosic biofuel project with a commercial paper mill. I found that I was actually more interested in the paper than the biofuel. This led me to purchase papermaking books, to take papermaking classes, to visit other paper mills, and to visit paper artists. I find that papermaking combines art, materials, chemistry, and equipment in a way that fits my interests and background. About 2 years ago, I embarked on setting up a complete papermaking studio and was able to build all the necessary equipment.
My focus for this show is three dimensional paper. In the near future, I am shifting to the production of larger sheet paper, up to about 2 x 4 feet. I am also working in collaboration with other artists and working to further develop my own artistic style. I consider myself fortunate to have the freedom for this exploration.
Special Call to Art!
Sun Nov 15 deadline: Call for Entries for Paper-Based Art
Bruce Bunting is managing a worldwide, juried contest for paper based art with sponsorship from the IAPMA (International Association of Hand Papermakers and Paper Artists). The contest has no entry fee and cash prizes will be awarded to the top 3 entries. The basis of the contest is mail-in postcard art, with additional rules to favor hand made paper. Bruce notes that most papers available at art supply stores would not be classified as hand made. He is willing to offer any local artists small pieces of his handmade paper, randomly selected, for their use in this contest. These can be delivered to the Emporium if requested. Please refer to the contest website for further details, https://postcardsarepaper.art.