The Spirit of Washi: Traditional Japanese Paper and Anita Wahl Barnes’ Layered Creations

Anita in her studio selecting washi paper

I was first drawn to Washi paper because of the rich colors and delicate small patterns. A flower petal or leaf is cut from a very small piece of paper and often the multi-colors of a larger pattern get lost. While working with Washi I discovered its strength and playability making it easy to sculpt into shapes.

I find a store full of beautiful papers exhilarating. Like a child in a candy store, I want it all! I don’t always use Washi paper, but it is a large part of my paper inventory. A wonderful paper company called “Mulberry Paper and More” sent me this fascinating video on the ancient, intricate, and time-honored techniques still used today to make these very special papers. Working with Washi papers in my sculptures, I hope to honor the dedicated artisans who pour countless hours into creating these beautiful papers.

Saved Washi paper scraps in my studio

When you see one of my sculptures, my hope is that the colors and patterns draw you in to look closely at the different elements I’ve made or found that are pieced together into a new object.

Rosalita, a hanging sculpture I created with Washi paper.

One beautiful example of this is Rosalita, where I cut and shaped the washi paper to resemble flower petals.

A close view of the underside of Rosalita