Since my last post, I have continued working on my hanging scrolls project, and I am now nearing completion of a series of scrolls for exhibition. They will be on view in the Annual New Marlborough Artists show at the New Marlborough Meeting House Gallery in the Berkshires from September 2 to October 2.
The project was an exciting creative challenge for me, both in concept and production. I was inspired by the traditional hanging scrolls of China and Japan, but I wanted to give a contemporary interpretation to my scrolls using photographic processes and materials. I eventually decided to print on canvas inkjet paper. The canvas printing paper serves as a substitute for the silk often used in traditional Asian scrolls. It is strong, yet it can be hung easily and rolled up like a traditional scroll.
I had never printed on canvas-backed paper before, and I had my share of printing failures, but I finally learned how to make the proper adjustments on the printer to work with this medium. Also, because the printed scroll will not be framed behind glass like a typical photographic print, I give the canvas a special spray coating to help protect it from fingerprints and harmful UV rays.
So after having learned some new skills and techniques, I am looking forward to finally exhibiting my scrolls.
May Snowfall 1 as a hanging scroll.