Experimental Paper Sculpture

Michelle Wilson

1 session:
- Saturday, September 6, 2025 | 10 AM - 4:30 PM

Artist Bio

Michelle Wilson is an artist living in Oakland, CA, whose work explores hand papermaking traditions from all over the world. She has been making paper since 2002. Her practice includes frequent collaborations with other artists, particularly her ongoing project with Anne Beck under the collective name the Rhinoceros Project. She lectures and teaches widely, including places such as Haystack Mountain School of Crafts, Magnolia Editions, the San Jose Institute of Contemporary Art Print Center, the Kala Art Institute, and currently teaches papermaking, printmaking, and book arts at Stanford University and San Jose State University.

More information about Michelle can be found on her website: www.michellewilsonprojects.com

@michellewilsonprojects
www.michellewilsonprojects.com
www.rhinocerosproject.org

Age minimum: 16

Skill level: All Levels

Max class size: 9

For any student interested in using handmade paper to create sculptural forms with armatures, this is a class for you! Students will learn building methods for armatures and ways to wrap and dip their armatures in handmade paper prepared in a way that is called "high shrinkage". In this method, paper pulp made from Abaca fiber (Musa textilis) has been beaten for a long period of time to absorb a large amount of water, and dramatic transformations can occur when the form dries.

We will spend the morning building small armatures out of rattan and wire. After lunch, we will form sheets of handmade paper. These sheets will be wrapped around our armatures while still wet. The abaca fiber will warp and twist the sculptures into surprising forms as it dries. Students will take home wet sculptures that will dry overnight, and participants are advised to plan for how they will transport wet sculptures home. 

Please note: Papermaking is a wet process; please wear clothing and shoes that can get wet. Papermaking also involves some lifting and arm movements.

Class fee: $150
Materials fee: $30

Materials Included: 
  • Paper pulp
  • Pellon
  • Rattan/wire for armatures

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