Paper Kimonos | Papermakers of Victoria

May 2016

BOX HILL ARTS CENTRE

THE KIMONO PROJECT

by PAPERMATES

PAPERMATES is a sub-group of the PAPERMAKERS OF VICTORIA. The group was formed over 20 years ago and was the initiative of Joy Brocklesby. At the time there was little information or practical opportunities for hand making. Joy recognised there was a need for a group who could learn together by sharing, supporting, experimenting, laughing and enjoying the many mysteries and aspects of papermaking. Thank you Joy!

In 2015, the PAPERMATES (a group of passionate hand papermakers and paper artists) embarked on a year-long project with the theme ‘Kimono’.

Each month the members met to research, share creative ideas, experiment with techniques as well as surface finishes which could later be applied to their individual interpretation of Kimono. These include:-

Gathering, preparing and making paper from New Zealand flax leaves

Origami

Momigami

Stitching and applique

Printing

Dyeing

The exhibition was the final step in our collective journey, illustrating the diversity of creative ideas and interpretation of KIMONO.

We would like to thank the City of Whitehorse and the Box Hill Community Art Centre for the opportunity to exhibit these works as part of the Matsudo Week celebrations.