Artist Barbara Harmer has one piece " Jetties" being exhibited in the High Fiber and Raw Materials Art Exhibition in Clear Lake, Tx.
The artist, Barbara Harmer, lived in Japan for 7 years. During that time, she studied the art form called "Chigirie" (Chee-gee-ree-ay) This art form consists of tearing and cutting handmade Japanese paper into pieces to create a picture onto artist's canvas. The paper extends around
the edges of the canvas for a finished look, so no frame is necessary. Upon completion, her art is sealed for protection.
Her paper is handmade and imported from Japan, and comes in many different weights, colors, and textures. Some paper has visible fibers that run throughout it, and some have holes forced through it during the pulp making process. This gives the appearance of lace, and is called "raindrop paper". If it has both fibers AND holes, it is called "Ogura" paper. Some of the paper is extremely soft and feels like fabric. In fact, it is so flexible that clothing has been made from it. Of course, you shouldn't wear it in the rain !
The only medium used is handmade paper, although some seashells , coral fans or nets may be included. NO PAINT is used in creating the picture, but it has the look of watercolor or acrylic paint, thereby calling it "Painting With Paper". Her art is displayed and enjoyed in Texas, Florida ,Conneticut, Puerto Rico, and Japan.
Although she concentrates on nature subject matter, she recently, has delved into abstract art as she feels art is appreciated in many forms.
