Mary Hahn Ward

I have a love for storytelling, which manifests itself through photography, writing, and most recently papermaking. I have written three books on diverse subjects. I have been a photographer for many years, mostly landscapes, and seascapes, always seeking magical, natural lighting. In 2023, handmade papermaking found its way into my life. With the first pull of paper, I was hooked!

My journey into papermaking began as a tactile exploration that quickly became a deep passion. The process of making handmade paper is one of transformation and creativity, resonating with my love for natural materials and the meditative nature of craft.

It starts by gathering a variety of raw materials, often incorporating recycled paper, plant fibers, and other organic elements I find in my gardens. Each material is carefully chosen for its texture, color, and potential to add unique character to the final product.

Once the materials are prepared, they are soaked and broken down into pulp, a process that requires patience and a gentle hand. I often experiment with blending different pulps to create custom textures and colors, a process that feels as much alchemy as it does artistic.

The pulp is then spread onto a mold and deckle, then I lay it on a cloth known as a couching material (pronounced something like couchi-coo) and press it to remove excess water. This is where my artistic heart soars —I might embed flowers, leaves, or threads into the paper, or layer different colors and textures to create a subtle, multi-dimensional effect. The possibilities are endless.

As the paper dries, it transforms from a wet, malleable substance into a tangible, textured sheet, each unique and reflective of the natural elements that inspired it. The finished paper often carries the imprints of the materials used, preserving a sense of place and story within its fibers.

Papermaking is not just an art form but rather a contemplative process, one that connects me to the earth and the history of handmade artistry. Each sheet of paper is a canvas, a blend of the beauty of nature and the creativity that flows out of me. Through this process, I have found a new medium to express myself, one that complements the storytelling of my photography and writing, while standing as a unique art form in its own right.