A Quarterly art newsletter featuring tips on using rice paper in painting or collage, along with stories of an artist's life in Japan. Join the mailing list to have it sent directly to your email or visit JuanaAlmaguer.com/newsletter.html to view the latest edition.
| Gallery Juana Newsletter for May 2009 |
| Slice of Life
Part I Types of Rice Paper  Recently I got a question about balls of paper forming when mounting a rice paper painting."I find that while applying the paste to the back of the painting, little balls of paper can form sometimes. I find this very disturbing. Have you had this happen? Under what circumstances, and how did you correct it?" I have had that happen, sometimes it has been the paper. So let's first take a look at types of Rice Paper. Even though the paper used for painting Sumi Ink Paintings is not made out of rice, Rice Paper is a popular name for this Asian paper in the West. Other common names are Washi and Xuan or Hanji, depending on the country of origin (respectively, Japan, China, Korea). Rice paper can be machine-made, hand-made, raw or sized. Each variance gives the paper a different texture and absorbency rate. With handmade rice paper, I have noticed that the ball is already in the paper itself. The first picture shows the fibres and knots that travel throughout the handmade paper. Before I paint on the paper, I check for any inconsistencies like thinness, thickness or knots that might interfere with my image. Sometimes the knot can be taken out of the paper when it is dry, but the risk is that a hole will be left in its place. If I am going to use the paper with the inconsistencies, I just make sure those points are outside of my image and aren't in the focal point of my painting. The only safe option is to discard that part of the paper. Since paper is expensive, I just work with it. Other times, because the paper is thin or fibrous, the balls form when mounting. At times, I have been able to remove the knot by gently brushing it out or picking it apart to lessen the size. Again, I run the risk that a hole will be left in its place. In my Koi ACEO collage, some of those fibers had balled up, so I tried to comb them out. I then realized that the knot was an intrinsic part of the paper. Removing the ball of paper left a miniscule hole. 
As that spot was perfect for the fish's eye. I worked the surrounding fibers of the paper to lessen the hole. I also added more acrylic paint. In the last picture, the hole is nonexistant. I was happy with the end result. Since the painting was mounted on canvas and varnished, the painting was not compromised. The painting actually ended up being better, so I didn't fret this time.When mounting a painting on rice paper, it's important to use the proper brush for applying the glue which lessens disturbing the paper's surface. Also, use a light touch when spreading the glue. I will cover more on that in my next Gallery Juana newsletter. |
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