Denise Simon
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Artist's Statement
I work primarily with paper. I like paper because I can achieve subtle nuances of layers, gentle texture changes, startling color juxtapositions, and it is available in countless types, styles, weights, and endless other combinations.

I started as many papermakers do by using a household blender to make paper from junk mail. Then I found that I really loved using brown paper bags as a basis for the paper I was making. Many of my collages use a base made of reconstituted brown paper bags (pigmented or not), or regular paper bags that have dozens of layers of acrylic glaze on them. Once I have chosen the base piece to work with, I find that it more or less dictates what happens to it. Many of my pieces read as landscapes and that is intentional. They remind me of places I’ve been or places I would like to go. I deliberately make many of them vertical, to question the notion that landscapes must be horizontal.

As my papermaking knowledge and techniques grew, I began making blank journals with these papers. With this new structure, I found that collages that I once considered unsuccessful, now made wonderful book covers or interiors. The handmade papers provided just the right foundation. This combination of papermaking and bookmaking is extremely satisfying.

The idea of the book structure began to dominate my work and I moved away from papermaking and studied book structures exclusively. Moving from blank journals to books that contained text is a challenge that I continue to explore.
When I can’t get to my studio, I work on jewelry designs at home. Recently I’ve been experimenting with combining my interest in papermaking and collage with my jewelry making. Two unique series of works have developed. These new mini collage pins and earrings fascinate me and I plan to pursue them further.
Selections of my work can be found for sale at Magpie in Davis Square, Somerville.