Materials

 

Many of the pieces use metal that is formed into the desired shape and then forged and textured. In a process known as fold-forming, metal may be folded and then hammered to create three-dimensional pieces. Or, it can be forged along one or more axes to create multiple shapes. I also make the paper. Cotton fabric is torn into small pieces, then soaked in water and beaten until it looks like gruel. Sometimes I add abaca (the sheath of a species of banana) or kozo (the inside bark of mulberry), both of which add strength and translucency. The pulp is then poured into a form and dried. Pulp can also be used to create sculptures by dipping a metal structure into the wet pulp and then hanging the piece to dry.