Carol Emerson

Paper Artist & Teacher of Creative Exploration

Lives in Mount Gretna.

When I am asked what kind of art I do, with hesitation albeit today with conviction, I reply that “I paint with paper.” A quizzical look always appears and I totally understand! So, I explain as best as I can…

I layer papers. All kinds of papers.

I use an acrylic medium which allows the paper fibers to relax and blend. Within this layering process, something occurs. Something new becomes suggested to me and points to the next move. It’s like dancing in a way. I become immersed in a collaborative layering kind of “dance.” I make a move, the papers make a move, and together we create. Something beyond words begins to form.

This collaborative layering requires me to show up and be ready to participate.

Just as dancing is about listening, creating is about listening. Just as each of us is complex and layered, the creative process is complex and layered. The intrigue is in the reciprocity. So many possibilities arise when we step into being present.

I love to get all of my “everyday tasks” done and then head to my studio so I can show up, lean into listening, allow the creative process to show itself through the layering of papers. Somewhere in there, surprises happen which are the greatest gifts of all.

As a life-long 3-dimensional fiber artisan, coming into the realization that paper was fiber liberated and jettisoned me into a delightful right-brain process with paper fibers. Everything I ever learned about sewing, weaving, needlework, dyeing yarns, basketry could be applied to manipulating paper fibers.

Painting with paper is my playful exploration of what can be called into form through the creative lens. If you are interested in exploring this kind of creative process, explore my website and consider taking the Base Camp workshop.

Email | 717.629.6052 | Website