The artist, Barbara Harmer, lived in Japan for 7 years. During that time, she studied the art form called "Chigirie" (Chee-gee-ree-ay), and is one of the few artists in America using this technique, which was brought to Japan by China in the sixth century.  This unique art form consists of tearing and cutting  handmade Japanese paper into pieces to form a picture onto artist’s canvas.

Her paper is handmade and imported from Japan, and comes in many different weights, colors, and textures. Some  papers have visible fibers that run throughout it, and some have holes forced through it during the pulp making process.  

The only medium used is handmade paper, although some sea shells, coral fans or nets may be included, but they are always applied to handmade Japanese paper.  At times, and before creating her picture, she dyes her paper with fabric or vegetable dye to create different effects, and in the past has used Sumi or gold ink,   Although it has the look of watercolor, acrylic, or oil paint, NO PAINT is used in creating the picture, thereby calling it "Painting With Paper".  All sides of the canvas are completely finished and wrapped with the paper making framing unnecessary, and  when completed, it is sealed with an acrylic spray for protection. 

 

Barbara has been featured in magazines in Texas and California, with her art displayed prominently on the covers.  She has exhibited in numerous galleries in the Houston, Galveston, and Clear Lake, area, has donated her art to various charities, and has won Special Recognition awards for her art.  Her art is displayed and enjoyed in Texas, Florida, Connecticut, California, Puerto Rico, The Caribbean, and Japan. She is available for commissions for custom orders and creations.

 

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