Working with mica

Mica is a wonderful material that has a remarkable array of uses. In industry it is used as a lubricant for engines parts, and it is a common ingredient in cosmetics and in art supplies for metallic or irridescent effects. I enjoy mixing it with dry pigments to make a reflective surface in block prints. I also combine it with adhesives such as gelatin, gum arabic, or methyl cellulose to make a glaze that creates a subtle overall sheen.If you can find large mica flakes, you can grind them in a mortar and pestle, then sieve out the size particles you want. Mica comes in a number of color tones, and can be bought from sellers of Asian art supplies such as:


Oriental Art Supplies http://www.orientalartsupply.com/product/2270/151 
Daniel Smith http://www.danielsmith.com/Item--i-G-100-080M.
Kremer Pigments http://kremerpigments.com/
 

Large mica flakes

Mica in Japanese Prints

95.881 Woman After the Bath Hashiuchi Goyo

I recently worked on several prints by the Japanese artist Hashiguchi Goyo for an exhibition at the Walters Art Museum in Baltimore where I am Senior Paper Conservator. His prints are known for the sumptuous use of mica, especially in the backgrounds. The mica was applied to the paper by making a transfer of funori, or seaweed adhesive, from the block to the paper. While still wet, the printer sprinkled the mica through a sieve onto the funori. The excess was then brushed away with a hake, or goat's hair, brush.  View more prints here:

http://art.thewalters.org/search/?query=goyo&type=search&all_fields=true

Here is an example of mica in one of my block printed papers. The paper was first toned to an indigo color, then the block (a vinyl block) was inked with powdered mica in a gelatin binder. The paper was laid onto the block and lightly pressed from the back with my hands. No printing press needed here!

Mica on folded and beaten paper 18" x  22" $40.00 per sheet

This is a special order paper and takes 2-3 weeks for delivery. Please allow enough time for your order to be completed. Thanks!

The Fine Furnishings Show Baltimore

The Fine Furnishings Show, a premier show for hand made furniture and decorative arts and crafts for the home took place over the weekend of May 3-5 at the Maryland State Fairgrounds. Karla Little, who runs the show, made me feel especially welcome. I was awarded Best in Show for Fine Crafts which was  a wonderful honor. Here I am in front of the booth.   Thank You Karla !!!!!
 www.finefurnishingshows.com


 

The large blue and violet screen at the left is two panels, each 40" x 60". It has gold mica hinges, and the side you can see is covered with large flakes of mica. It shimmers under the lights of the show. Here it is outside the studio.

large mica flakes on the paper

 

The other side of the screen is decorated with gold mica squares and spatters.The poplar edges are embossed with a linear pattern, highlighted with graphite and finished with a wax rub. $1,400.00. I can send samples of the papers on request.

Here are two variations of block printed papers. The red paper is printed with mica on a pigmented background. The green is printed with a variety of transparent green watercolors on a light peach colored pigmented background. This paper is the current background for my blog, and the red is on the four panel screen in the booth picture above. It is priced at $750.00.

My next venue is the Pyramid Atlantic Book Arts Fair in Silver Spring MD this coming November. Watch for details! 

Byobu and design

The use of folding screens, or byobu, in Japanese homes began as a way to block the cold drafts in the unheated wooden houses, temples, and palaces. Every home had screens to use in this practical way, and gradually screens evolved into the supporting framework for masterpieces of Japanese painting. From a humble utilitarian household object to the highest art form, screens have had a place in Japanese culture for centuries. With the the opening of Japan, and the Western fascination with the exoticism of the Far East, screens began to appear in the homes of wealthy collectors and artists. Traditional decoration ranged from simple block printed repeat patterns, to gold or silver leaf surfaces, to refined landscape, flowers, or animal themes. Buddhist and other religions were also sources of imagery for the screens.

Chyrsanthemums from the MFA Boston

A two panel or "sleeping" screen

I began making screens in 2010. As a paper conservator, part of my training included the study of screens from a historical viewpoint in order to understand their preservation needs. The complexity of their construction is a testament to the evolution and longevity of the art form. The choice of the best materials for the core and the covering is critical to their function, but more about that in a later blog. My screens are made for the modern home, and come in different sizes and styles. They can be used in the traditional ways, or as space dividers, or stand alone works of art. They look great by themselves, or as backdrops for flower arrangements, or to set off other works of art like glass or ceramics. Here are a few:

Four panel screen with Sumi ink and mica flakes 24"h x 72"w

Sleeping screen (front) with textured dyed Japanese paper 12" h x 36" w

Sleeping screen (back) with toned paper block printed with mica

I use various methods to decorate the papers, including dry pigments, gold leaf, and brush work. Here I am working some papers.

I sell my screens at fine craft shows, and directly from this blog. I take credit cards as well as Paypal. Please contact me if you would like more information. My next show is the Pyramid Atlantic Book Arts Fair in Sliver Spring Maryland Nov 13-14 2012. Please stop by!

Elissa