TORN-PAPER ART
The art of Chigirie is the Japanese art of torn paper which dates back to the Hein period.
All papers (washi) used, are from Japan, and are ideally suited to tearing. There is a wide variety of thicknesses from gossamer thin to thick. Some of the mulberry and rice papers have long threads which can be used to advantage when torn, shaped, and pasted onto card or canvas.
Most of the washi are already dyed, but occasionally we dye them with vegetable dyes.
What is collage? is often asked. In answer, I say that any materials - as in bits and pieces -may be used for a collage. With Chigirie I prefer to think of it as paper painting. There is consistent use of Japanese washi which is textured and perfect for 'painting'. We stroke our torn shape with a brush at times and always smooth the pasted paper with a firm but careful finger action.
The result rather resembles a watercolour painting.
A few of the chigirie works are mixed media, incoorporating oil or acrylic.
This collection is dedicated to Mrs Akiko Otani, renowned artist and sensei of Yokohama who is my mentor and friend.
All papers (washi) used, are from Japan, and are ideally suited to tearing. There is a wide variety of thicknesses from gossamer thin to thick. Some of the mulberry and rice papers have long threads which can be used to advantage when torn, shaped, and pasted onto card or canvas.
Most of the washi are already dyed, but occasionally we dye them with vegetable dyes.
What is collage? is often asked. In answer, I say that any materials - as in bits and pieces -may be used for a collage. With Chigirie I prefer to think of it as paper painting. There is consistent use of Japanese washi which is textured and perfect for 'painting'. We stroke our torn shape with a brush at times and always smooth the pasted paper with a firm but careful finger action.
The result rather resembles a watercolour painting.
A few of the chigirie works are mixed media, incoorporating oil or acrylic.
This collection is dedicated to Mrs Akiko Otani, renowned artist and sensei of Yokohama who is my mentor and friend.