spring 2024
My journey with papermaking began with a vision. I was in my second year recovering from debilitating illness and consuming more fruit, vegetables, and water than I had my entire life. As my health grew, so did a vision of artworks made of textures I had never felt before - plasticky, papery, plant textures.
The plant I originally intended to make paper with had been soaking for weeks when it dawned on me I could probably make paper from my morning celery juice pulp. It was around my 900th glass so quite the surprise. Celery fibre creates a translucent, crystalline paper that, when pigment is added, loses its rattle becoming tender as skin.
The first year's celery paintings were a delve into Ireland's ancient illuminated manuscripts, loosening up celtic knotwork into natural forms. Then the more alive forms took over and I completed the series above - an explosion of joy at feeling well; a celebration of renewed relationship with my Creator.
Celery fibre is unruly, and creating flat sheets an exercise in patience and surrender. As a printmaker of many years, I had a lot to unlearn. This new process was distinctly a relationship and my will no longer in control. I was dealing with a substance that does not do exactly what is expected of it - it was thrilling.
These were my final paintings with conventional watercolours. From here I began mixing my own lightfast paints with truly non-toxic pigments, honey, and gum arabic.
Above is a selection of watercolours on 100% celery fibre paper. Paintings are either 20x20cm or 20x28cm and have the deckle edges of handmade paper. Both paper and paint are archival, meaning they can last for hundreds of years if kept dry. Paintings are for sale unframed at €100, plus p&p. To enquire please email me at: aoifefia@outlook.ie