In this series I am studying the traits and features of handmade paper. As I was making the papers, I kept thinking about water and it’s role in making art. Streaming water, life-giving water that was so present when I produced these papers. What a privilege it was to be able to make these papers! It was possible because we have this seemingly endless resource in Finland. It feels like it’s a never ending stream and at the same time I realize this is not the case globally. Through these works I want to thank the water.

To make the papers, I have used both cotton and hemp fibers. Hemp has been farmed for its fiber for thousands of years around the world, including Finland. It can be refined into a variety of commercial items, including paper, textiles, clothing, biodegradable plastics, paint, insulation, biofuel, food, and animal feed[1]. Hemp is also a very controversial plant. Though fiber hemp does not have intoxicating properties, to farm it in Finland, you need a permit.

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hemp