Nancy Weaver Chesick

Paper Art * Papier Mache * Encaustic * Bookbinding

Living on Maui for 40 years has provided infinite inspiration for my work. I make my own pulp from upcycled paper for my three dimensional pieces. I then apply handmade papers, acrylic paints and/or dried flowers for the decorative techniques.  As an avid orchidist and gardener, I love incorporating orchids and other local flora and fauna in my pieces. All are water resistant, having many coats of a clear acrylic finish applied to each piece.

Bookbinding

 My hard bound journals are bound by hand using binders board, bookbinding cloth(spine) and handmade papers.  The signatures(inside papers ) are high quality Italian text blocks.
Many of my book covers are my original papers.  They may be encaustic monotypes, up cycled fabric backed with washi paper or reproductions of my original art printed on cover papers.
My leather journals are hand cut and sewn using different bookbinding stitches with waxed linen thread.   They may be embellished with leather, beads or handmade papers.  The writing paper is usually resume paper cut and assembled into individual signatures then sewn together with the leather cover to create the journal.
My Gratitude journals are hand sewn using different handmade papers.  I do thecalligraphy on the front which is the kanji symbol for gratitude or thankfulness.  Each journal has a wrap closure with one of my handmade paper beads, as well as shells, coins or other stones and beads.

The art of Bookbinding has become another passion. Artists journals, writers journals, address books, guest books, gratitude journals, all bound with beautiful original hand painted papers, imported handmade papers, leather, fabric, or original hand carved block or screen printed papers, are part of my expression in paper art.

Encaustic art is a new addition to my repertoire. I have been using paper with encaustic medium (bees wax and dimar resin) for these exciting new mixed media pieces.

 Encaustic is an ancient technique discovered by Greek shipbuilders.  The word encaustic means “to burn in”.  In my mixed media pieces, I use encaustic medium, which is Beeswax, Damar resin(a hardening agent) and oil pigments.
      I may add handmade papers, real plant material, such as dried orchids,
     or other found objects. Each layermust be fused with a heat gun or
          torch, “burned in”,  to the layer beneath.
The encaustic monotypes are one of a kind original prints without a repeatable matrix.  I paint with the encaustic medium on a hot aluminum plate.  When the wax melts it may be manipulated with brushes and various tools to create a”painting”. Absorbent handmade paper is then laid on the plate and the image is transferred to the paper.  I then place the monotype on a rigid, cradled panel and cover it with multiple layers of clear encaustic medium.
Encaustic mediums melting point is 160*-180*.  As with any fine art painting, it should not be exposed to direct sunlight or extreme temperatures.  There is no need to worry about melting in typical home conditions.
The surface of encaustic may be polished with a light Buffing with a soft cotton cloth to maintain its luster or shiny surface.  Encourage customers to touch and even smell the wax surface.
Encaustic paintings are durable and archival, beeswax being impervious to moisture.  When wrapping apiece for a customer, please use bubble wrap as opposed to tissue paper next to the waxed surface.

Papier mâché
   
 I make my own pulp from recycled paper, mixed with glue and paste.  After sculpting, each piece must dry for up to a week.  When the piece is dry, I use handmade papers, dried flowers, and acrylic paints for the decorative techniques.  The orchids I use in my bowls, are grown at my home in Haiku.
Every Papier mâché piece is protected by three coats of an acrylic sealer.
They are water resistant but not to be used for liquids.
 The small round bowls I sell at the guild I call my Hula bowls.  I sew shells, beads and my handmade paper beads onto each piece.  Any of the smaller bowls could be used for jewelry, keys or any small keepsake.  They could even be used for dry foods, such as nuts, and wiped clean with a damp cloth.

Please come see my work at Maui Crafts Guild or at the Grand Wailea artists in Residence Program on Fridays.
Aloha, Nancy

mauinancy@hawaii.rr.com         808 572-1559