Where do you get your papers?

The papers I use come from talented makers and designers all over the world. I collect washi papers from Japan, hand-printed decorative papers from London, richly textured papers from Italy, and whimsical, beautifully designed papers from Paris.

Here are some of my favorites…

I love how these papers come together in a collage. Patterns camouflage themselves, merging seamlessly with others, while certain designs stand out. It’s always fascinating to hear which pattern viewers notice first—each person experiences the work a little differently.

Many of the patterns also remind me of the wallpapers in my great-grandmother’s house in Passaic, New Jersey. I believe patterns carry meaning on a level we all understand, even if we can’t always name it.

Every piece is cut by hand, using scissors. I use an X-Acto knife occasionally for more nuanced shapes.

I use archival PVA glue to help preserve the papers and keep the collages vibrant over time.