Step 6: Material Exploration 2/20/2019

The material chose to use for this step was old books- specifically encyclopedias I had picked up from the recycling center. I chose this because I thought it could be a versatile material and I already had some ideas of how to manipulate it. Some of the paper I soaked in water and paint to see if I could dye it a certain hue (it faintly absorbed the paint but I feel this was overall successful as too much color would distract from the material). Another method I did was to make a pulp out of the paper. I cut it onto strips and then soaked them in water for about an hour. Then I mashed them with a mortar and pestle until they were crumbling and starchy. I applied it onto my surface with modge-podge and a paint brush, creating a unique texture. I also found that by burning the paper and cardboard I could give the burnt edges a thin and delicate look.