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WASHI IN THE 21st CENTURY
by Steven Schaub
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A few months ago I was asked by Hiromi Paper International to look at a new line
of Washi that had been optimized for digital output. I was skeptical at first, as my great love for Washi rested in its ability
to produce images of incredible energy and yet possess a sense of vulnerability at the same time- something that up till now inkjet
papers could not do. I tested several papers and was surprised at the results. My first impressions were tactile- these papers feel
great to the touch without that scientific feel of Western inkjet materials; they retain a sense of the romantic and old world.
Prints made on these new papers have what I call a "dimensional quality", the ink feels as if it is within the paper radiating
outward rather than on the surface, as is the case with most coated inkjet papers. |
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Of these new papers, I particularly responded to
the Kozo Natural- this paper has a wonderful three-dimensional feel and its fine art reproduction capabilities
bring to mind the delicacy of an etching or Platinum print. Prints made using this paper have a round quality,
almost an analog dimensional quality. This paper has become my choice for portraits and fine art prints that need
a smooth subtle transition of tone with slight warmth.
I feel that we are just now beginning to realize the unique role Washi will play in the 21st century.
As more and more Western papers homogenize in both look and quality, it is truly exciting to see Washi
make the move to optimized digital coatings, while still maintaining the unique 1,300 year old tradition
of passion and quality that is WASHI.
Stephen M. Schaubis one of ten featured artists on Polaroid’s official website. He is the author
of two published collections of his photographs. For more information about Stephen M. Schaub please visit:
www.stephenschaub.com.
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