BOOK ARTS / PAPERMAKING : FINE ARTS

Memphis College of Art’s nationally known Papermaking studio emphasizes personal exploration and focus, while preparing students to express themselves and transfer ideas. Through experimentation and investigation of processes, students transform the traditional handmade sheet into contemporary and conceptual form.

PP 150 Papermaking 1.

Hand papermaking in the Western tradition is introduced. Various sheet formation techniques, as well as the design and use of a watermark image, pulp painting, embedding, and embossing are explored. Hand papermaking skills are emphasized along with their application to the development of personal themes in each student’s work.

Prerequisite: None


PP 170 Book Arts 1.

The book as a vessel for artistic expression is investigated. Various areas of bookbinding, printmaking, and alternative photo/image transfer process are covered. Accordion, concertina, Japanese, French door, dos a dos, and album bindings and structures are explored.

Prerequisite: FD 120


PP 250 Intermediate Papermaking Workshop 1.

Hand papermaking techniques for creating three-dimensional works and combining handmade paper with other media are investigated. Contemporary ideas are executed as students develop their own personal focus. Pulp casting, relief sheet casting, mold making and vacuum table techniques are explored.

Prerequisite: PP 150


PP 270 Intermediate Book Arts 1.

A variety of advanced and alternative structures in bindings are explored. Emphasis is on individual projects and a successful integration of printed image and text. Letterpress printing techniques are explored and incorporated into specific projects.

Prerequisite: PP 150, PP 170


PP 350 Intermediate Papermaking Workshop 2.

Continuation of PP 250.

Prerequisite: PP 250

PP 370 Intermediate Book Arts 2.

Continuation of PP 270.

Prerequisite: PP 270


PP 450 Advanced Papermaking Workshop 1.

Advanced papermaking techniques are used to develop individual projects. Three-dimensional works, as well as installation-based works incorporating other media are encouraged. Focus is placed on developing and creating a cohesive body of work.

Prerequisite: PP 350


PP 455 Advanced Papermaking Workshop 2.

Continuation of PP 450

Prerequisite: PP 450


PP 470 Integration: Book & Paper.

The areas of print, papermaking and book are investigated in this senior level course. Letterpress, papermaking and printmaking are incorporated to develop projects to be editioned. Collaboration with other media not mentioned is encouraged as well.

Prerequisite: Senior standing or permission of instructor