Val Bembenek Artist's Statement and Paper Making Video

Click to Play Papermaking Video I PLANT. I GATHER. I MAKE PAPER, STAB-BOUND BOOKS, AND PAPER MACHÉ. THEREFORE, I AM.
From tree-hugger in the Midwest, to Saguaro-hugger (ouch!) after moving to Arizona decades ago, I’ve been persistently passionate and curious about nature. My “paper trail” began as a professional news journalist and business writer, and it settles today on the artful possibilities of paper in all its forms and transformations. I believe in originality and craftsmanship, creating practical, one-of-a-kind pages and pieces that bring joy and connectedness to the natural world.

VITA. Though primarily self-taught, I have studied with internationally known paper maker and fiber artist Catherine Nash, and taken numerous other workshops with paper and book artists in the southwest, as well as with Sage Reynolds, Four Hands Design Studio, NYC. My work has been exhibited at Tohono Chul Park Gallery, Tubac Center for the Arts, Details Art & Design gallery in Tucson, and Tucson Public Library. My work is for sale at several Tucson area shops and in Oracle. Member of PaperWorks-the Sonoran Collective for Paper and Book Artists and Oracle Artists Studio Tour. I’ve taught classes at Tucson Botanical Garden and Oracle State Park.

HALF-DAY CLASSES. I welcome inquiries about scheduling a “fun” half-day class in your home, for either "Basic Papermaking with Plants" or "Japanese Stab Binding." Both are low-key and informal, with no previous experience necessary. I provide all materials, you gather 4 to 5 friends. Or, you can join me in cool, picturesque Oracle (35 miles northeast of Tucson) at my friend Barbara Kemp Cowlin’s studio for even more paper arts workshop options. Email me for a brochure that contains complete session descriptions and dates.

CUSTOM WORK. When you need something special, keep me in mind. I will stab-bind multiple copies of your essay or poetry in colors and bindings of your choice. I will make guest books or photo albums to your specifications. Prices are based on time and materials.

TO ORDER. To order any of the items shown on this website, use this ORDER FORM that you can print out and send to me with your check. Please feel free to contact me by email for availability of stab bound books and paper maché items, or to request e-photos of items currently in stock. The email address is paperlady@iinet.com.