Student Level: All
Type of Workshop: Project/Process
Prerequisite: None

Wabi sabi is a Japanese aesthetic. This Japanese aesthetic is a beauty of things imperfect, incomplete and impermanent...rustic, earthy, simple, textured and organic. Boro is a Japanese word meaning 'tattered rags' and is used to describe patched clothing and bedding. Many years ago, the poor Japanese workers patched and repaired their clothing so much they looked like tattered quilts. Today, boro articles of clothing are considered national treasures. Boro embodies the Japanese aesthetic of wabi sabi. Instead of fabrics, we will use hand painted Japanese washi papers. On the first day, I will demonstrate how to create these papers using acrylic paints and a Gelli printing plate. Artists will then make their own collage papers in the tradition of wabi sabi, using paint, washi papers, rubber stamps, stencils, stamping tools. On the second day, the artist will learn simple compositions, and design elements based on Zen tenets like balance and harmony. Artists will then create their own collages using their papers, with my individual help.

Kit/Materials Fee (payable to instructor at class time):

• $15.00 for packet of Japanese washi papers, various types

Student should bring:

• Paint: acrylic in tubes, black/white and 2-4 colors
• Brushes (2): One 1" flat for painting, one cheap brush for gluing
• Matte medium: small jar for gluing
• Spray bottles (2) - one filled with water, one filled with rubbing alcohol
• Gelli - gel printing plate
• Brayers (Two) 2" size
• Large plastic trash bag
• Scissors
• Surfaces for collage: white or off white. Can be journal pages, watercolor paper, canvas, or
• wood supports 8"x10" or smaller. 3 minimum to complete 3 collages.
• I highly recommend you white gesso canvas and wood supports

Optional:

• rubber stamps with stamp pads
• stencils
• found papers
• washi papers
• stamping tools