It's about process, not product!

If you are like me who is very detail oriented, methodical and plans everything ahead of time, then you can relate to this sentiment of mine-

Once in a while working with no planning or agenda is all it takes to unwind. This work is a result of that. I had some leftover abaca pulp staring at me so instead of just forming sheets I decided to play with it a little bit. The lines were created using a thread that was dipped in the vat. When the pulp is collected on the thread I placed it on the felt and gently pulled the thread away.

I am happy with how it turned out because this one is for process, not product.

Abaca Sculptures

Abaca is a banana plant fiber. When highly beaten it results in a pulp that makes translucent paper. I have beaten abaca for 4hrs, 8hrs as well as 20 hrs. It is very tricky to couch a 20hr beaten abaca because it drains extremely slowly. If it is left too long to drain then it won’t release from the mould and if its not drained enough then the pulp will slip out easily from the mould. With practice and patience it becomes easier to couch a 20hr beaten abaca.

These sculptures are made with abaca beaten in hollander beater for 8hrs. When the pulp is highly beaten it results in high shrinkage and works best for making sculptures.