On Reserve: Paper School Supplies Series

In January 2021, I was invited to participate in Var Gallery’s 30x30x30 exhibition. The show asked 30 artists to work within the parameters of making one piece of art a day for 30 consecutive days within a 6x6x6” dimension. The show opened in April, showcasing 1,200 unique pieces that range in various mediums. 

The series, On Reserve, narrates the nostalgic, back-to-school mentality and the value of reading, research, and the centric role of the book within a student’s educational experience. During the 2020–21 years of virtual and hybrid learning, the book remained a reliable, tangible source for information – serving as a healthy escape from the persistence of obligatory screen time. These pieces weave a network of assignments, diverse course content, and learning methods into a display of small objects signifying the start of a new academic year.

As an Assistant Professor in Carroll's Graphic Design program, I found myself reflecting on the virtual teaching/learning and felt a strong pull to create a tangible experience for the students. I called the University's Library to request a few books be put on reserve. The response was, “well, yes, but library books are put into quarantine for three days after they’ve been returned…“ Clearly, this was not great news, but from there, the idea for On Reserve was born.

Paper Garment & Shoe Collection

What is a book? How do we tell stories? Each sculptural garment piece narrates a significant moment in my life – or within the life of friends and family members – where the object evokes a special memory. The pieces are true-to-scale and are made entirely from paper, cardboard, and PVA glue.

Time Series

After a challenging experience in my past, many of my friends and family members offered supportive phrases such as, “time will tell; it will get better in time; take one day at a time.” These conversations motivated me to create the time series. I found solace in the meditative weaving and sculptural problem-solving processes, which helped me evaluate the events and emotions. Works are true-to-scale and are made from handmade paper, acrylic, and PVA glue.