Hand Papermaking and Artist Books with Helen
  • Silver Spring, Maryland, United States
  • 10 hours over 2 days

Hand Papermaking and Artist Books with Helen

Learn the art of handmade paper in Helen's sunny paper studio. Having first fallen in love with papermaking in Ahmedebad, India, Helen uses her travels for artistic inspiration. During your VAWAA, work with natural materials to make your own unique collection of handmade paper.
  • Snacks, Coffee, & Tea

Pricing

One Guest
USD $1065
Additional guest(s) (max 4)
USD $420
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Meet the Artist

Helen is a visual artist specializing in hand papermaking. She first fell in love with papermaking while visiting paper mills in Ahmedebad, India as a student in the 1970s. In the forty years since, she has travelled extensively in Asia, Africa, and Europe to learn about, collaborate with, and exhibit alongside other papermakers. For Helen, papermaking is both an intellectual journey and a practice of cultural literacy. She works with Western and Eastern paper traditions, creating hand formed sheets of paper that vary from colorful to thin and translucent. Printing, drawing, and bookmaking are also part of her work. As the founder of a renowned center for contemporary printmaking, a university educator, and a prolific studio artist, Helen is a cornerstone of the international papermaking community. You don’t need to travel the world to gain Helen’s global experience—she brings the world to her studio!

VAWAA Includes:

  • Introduction to the history and variety of hand papermaking.
  • Opportunity to work in a papermill and a dry studio.
  • Preparing fibers using Western and Eastern techniques.
  • Learning basics of the papermaking process, including the use of molds.
  • Designing stencils and incorporating inclusions (i.e. plant materials, other papers, silk threads) in papermaking.
  • Instruction in composition, layering, and texture.
  • Learning how to color paper pulp with aardvark pigments (not dyes) that are unique to papermaking. Includes understanding useful chemistry for proper preparation with the hollander beater.
  • Pressing, transferring, and drying paper.
  • Your own collection of handmade papers.
  • Making simple artist books in accordion folded or stitched formats.
  • All materials and tools.

Explore Silver Spring, Maryland

Silver Spring is right outside of Washington DC where you can explore some of the best and most diverse museums in the United States (many of which are free!). Washington DC offers endless opportunities to expand your curiosity, compassion, knowledge, and more. The new African American History Museum is so rich and extensive, you could spend days exploring its halls, while the variety of art museums—ranging from broad to highly specific—will have your mind swimming with creativity. Then escape the mundane, business-like city center for the diverse, vibrant neighborhoods that surround it, from upscale Georgetown to funky Adam’s Morgan and more.

Additional Details

Helen’s papermaking studio is outdoors, so if papermaking is a key part of what you’d like to explore, we recommend visiting in early fall, late spring, or summer. If your focus is more on artist books, bookmaking, and paper-based projects, this VAWAA can work well year-round.

This VAWAA is available for a longer duration, up to 7 days. If interested in extending your time, let us know by how many days and we will do our best to accommodate you.
Contact for more info
Helen's Availability 2 days
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Guest Reviews

3

  • Shayna K., United States

    A few days in Helen Frederick’s studio opened up an entirely new way of thinking about my own work. Helen is an extraordinarily accomplished and inspiring artist, but what struck me just as much was how generous she is with her knowledge, her process and her teaching.

    We worked at a fast pace, and there was something incredible about rolling up my sleeves, experimenting with an entirely new med     Read more

  • Zak S., United States

    Working with Helen went beyond what I could have imagined. Both her knowledge of papermaking + artist books and her place in contemporary art made for an exciting adventure full of learning through doing and conversation. I appreciated diving right in—I think I had my hand in wet paper pulp within 2 hours of arriving—and the creative environment she fostered for us.

  • Lisa S., United States

    My experience may be a little different than most VAWAA situations. I didn't go far from home to meet up with Helen - I live only an hour away. The nice thing about living so close was that I could really concentrate on my art! I have also known Helen and her wonderful artwork for many years.

    I'm in a state of flux with my artwork - kinda between series and ideas. By choosing to step outside of     Read more