“Fire and Water” is a new series of mixed-media handmade paper artworks that I have created in 2024 using dyed Japanese kozo fibers and abaca pulp with collaged threads, burning and hole making. This work focuses on wildfires, water and climate change, and is inspired in part by my experience of wildfires in Santa Rosa, CA,   in 2017, 2019 and 2021.  Also, I am living in an area where water is a continuing concern with long periods of extreme drought and water rationing as well as periodic flash flooding and rising oceans.  All of these are exacerbated by climate change.    

I use controlled burning of my handmade paper and natural fiber constructions to make unique patterns, holes and colors in the handmade paper I create using Japanese techniques and my own papermaking innovations.  The works hang suspended from the ceiling and the transparent paper and holes look great with light coming through. This work emphasizes that fire can be beneficial, beautiful, purifying and warming as well as destructive and terrifying. I feel that seeking harmony with nature should be our goal to help mitigate climate change effects and work together for a better environment.  

The series continues with more images coming soon.