3D paper making and casting
Foundations workshop
First session: Wednesday , September 18, 2024
Second session: Thursday, September 19, 2024
16.30 - 20.30
Concept and Structure of the Workshop:
This workshop consists of three main areas:
Creating Molds for Paper Casting: Learning and creating molds for paper casting.
Making Paper from Various Materials: Exploring and making paper from natural, recycled, or contemporary redefined materials.
Paper Casting: Techniques for casting paper into molds to create three-dimensional artworks. This includes a variety of methods and techniques for casting paper, not limited to traditional approaches.
Introduction:
In this workshop, we explore the deep connection between paper and creativity by working with cellulose—the plant cell membrane used in making paper and textiles—to create intricate, personalized layers and sculptural objects. Participants will learn how to precisely shape and connect these fibers, allowing them to create any form, including 3D reliefs, as paper, being a thin, strain-resistant skin, holds shapes and is super lightweight. The molds we craft can be reused, enabling ongoing experimentation and the continuous exploration of paper as a medium of communication and creativity.
At The Paper Lab:
We invite people to engage with paper as a medium and a concept, representing many products and items and capable of being made from almost any material. Our focus is on fostering an experimental mindset, encouraging self-research, and learning directly from the medium itself, rather than solely striving for pre-defined images or outcomes.
In-Person Workshop Format:
This in-person workshop spans two sessions of four hours each.
Session 1:
Introduction and Theory: We begin with an in-depth discussion on the theory behind the concept of the workshop, its principles, and the historical context of paper making. This foundational knowledge sets the stage for the practical activities that follow.
Mold Creation: This segment focuses on the various techniques and methods for creating molds. We will explore different materials and their properties, understanding how they can be used to form effective and reusable molds. You will have hands-on experience in crafting these molds, learning the intricacies of mold making.
Pulp Preparation: Learn how to make different mixes of pulp to use as a casting medium. We will discuss the properties of various materials, including natural fibers, recycled paper, and contemporary materials, and how to combine them to achieve desired textures and strengths.
Demonstrations: This session includes around one hour of live demonstrations. We will showcase different methods and options for casting, providing practical insights and tips to ensure your success in the next session. These demonstrations will help you understand the processes and get ready for your own casting experiments.
Session 2:
Casting the Molds: This session is dedicated to the actual casting process. You will apply the knowledge and skills from the first session to cast the molds and create your paper objects. We will guide you through each step, ensuring you understand the nuances of paper casting.
Hands-On Practice: Engage in practical exercises and experimentation with different types of paper pulp and molds. This hands-on practice is crucial for mastering the techniques and developing your own style and approach to paper casting.
Discussion and Feedback: At the end of the session, we will have a discussion and feedback round. You can share your experiences, ask questions, and get personalized advice on improving your techniques and exploring new possibilities.
What You'll Gain:
Fundamental and advanced knowledge of paper making and casting.
Skills to create reusable molds and intricate paper forms.
Insight into both traditional and contemporary paper making techniques.
Tools to build a personal, subjective dialogue with paper through authentic experimentation and research.
In this special edition of the Foundations workshop, as part of the Self Topography on Paper 2024 exhibition at Atelier Mitte, we will expand our exploration by learning how to create paper from fabrics. Participants will discover the process of transforming fabric scraps into paper pulp, exploring the unique textures and qualities that fabric-based paper can offer. This workshop is part of a comprehensive program featuring exhibitions, lectures, performances, and a variety of paper-oriented workshops, providing a rich environment for exploring the versatility of paper as an artistic medium.
Fee and Materials:
The workshop fee is €120, which includes all the materials needed for the workshop. Upon signing up, you will receive a detailed list of basic tools and materials to bring to the workshop, such as different types of paper you’d like to use for paper making and a large plastic container to safely take your experiments home.
Registration:
To confirm your participation, please fill out the form below, and we will send you more information, including payment options and preparatory files. Once the registration process is complete, you will receive all necessary information to join our sessions.
Feel free to reach out to us with any questions or thoughts you would like to share. This workshop is perfect for those with no background or previous experience with working with paper, as we start from the very basic foundations and delve into advanced methods.
Location: Atelier Mitte, Elisabethkirchstraße 13, 10115 Berlin.
Language: English
Workshop Fee: 120 euros