Bonnie Grace

Paper Weaving

This body of work is the further development of my current work, returning to the realm of woven textiles. After an exploration in various mediums, I found myself drawn back to the tactile and intricate nature of weaving.

To start this project, I took a collection of prints that were created using the risograph printing technique. The risograph machine became a playground for experimentation, as I brought my catalogue of shapes, drawings, textures, and background patterns to life. Each print is unique a play with colours, composition, and overall aesthetic. The result was a series of vibrant and visually captivating prints, each with its own unique characteristics.

However, I didn’t stop there. I wanted to push the boundaries of these prints and find new ways to engage the viewer. This led me to the idea of slicing and dissecting the prints, and then weaving them back together to create something entirely new. By weaving together multiple prints, I was able to blend different colors, textures, and patterns, creating a visually stunning tapestry of layered imagery.

Hidden within my riso prints are decipher keys, fragments of my code. These keys serve as a glimpse into my thoughts, a way for viewers to decipher the meaning of my work. By intertwining these prints, I not only obscure the decipher keys further, but I also create a sense of further mystery and intrigue.

One aspect that I find particularly fascinating about this project is the interplay between the analog and digital realms. Through the intertwining of guided textures and vibrant shapes, a captivating pixelated effect emerges. Although the prints were created using analogue methods, the final compositions have a digital-like essence. These woven prints signifies a natural return to a medium that has always captivated my imagination and allowed for the fusion of various artistic elements.

With great care, I skillfully slice and rearrange the prints, intertwining multiple layers into an intricate tapestry of artistic expression. This process presented endless possibilities and unforeseen serendipities, as the juxtaposition of colours, shapes, and textures revealed unexpected dialogues and poetic harmonies.