PAPYRUS PILGRIMAGE
In May I had the privilege to
visit Gallery Bellomo in Syracuse, Sicily to see papyrus paper being made from
the fibrous inner pith of the papyrus plant. In Europe, the only place that
this plant grows naturally is on the banks of the Ciane River.
Here is a photo of the plant
growing in Syracuse.
The process includes removing the
outer rind of the plant to reveal the inner core that is cut lengthwise into
strips. The strips are soaked in water with an antioxidant. This allows the
strips to maintain their lovely creamy color. The strips are then arranged side-
by -side on a marble slab covered with a cloth. Each strip slightly overlaps the
other.
While still moist the two layers
are compressed with a heavy marble roller.
The resulting sheet is allowed to
dry. It can be used as writing paper or used to make art.
Here is a piece of art I
purchased.
Written by Barbara James
August 14, 2016
