Pulp Function

I'd been wanting to visit the James A. Michener Art Museum in Doylestown, Pennsylvania ever since reading about an exhibit titled, Pulp Function. It promised to showcase the ultimate in paper recycling. Yesterday was finally the occasion to go and just in the nick of time, as it was the last day for the exhibition. What a delight to study more than seventy 3D pieces that utilized a wide range of creative materials and techniques. My very favorite was this cast paper sculpture - isn't she exquisite?! Deborah Baldizar, Edge, 2006, cast paper, H. 54 x W. 33 x D. 50", Photo: Chuck Pappas

Handmade paper pulp, recycled paper, cut paper, cardboard, papier-mâché, and folded paper were used to create clothing, jewelry, lighting, vessels, furniture, statement art, and whimsy. It was fascinating to see ordinary materials such as egg cartons, diapers, maps, and cereal boxes refashioned in surprising and often barely recognizable ways.

Cat Chow, Not for Sale, 2002, 1000 Shredded US Dollar bills, fishing line, glue, dress form, list of 1000 sponsors, 72" x 30" x 26"

All so inspiring and I daresay the mood was contagious. I smiled as I overheard a woman speak in good humor to a bystander who was crinkling a candy wrapper... "Sir," she said, "you might want to hold onto that and make something with it later."

Gugger Petter, Five People with Two Dogs, 2007, Newspaper, hemp, paint, 54.5" x 87.5" x 2"