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From Flax to Fine art: The Ancient Craft of Harakeke Paper Making

The art of papermaking, an ancient craft, is experiencing a revival. While many envision paper stemming from wood pulp, a dedicated artist in New Zealand is breathing new life into a captivating material: harakeke, or New Zealand flax. This challenging but rewarding process transforms the tough, versatile flax plant into beautiful, textured papers.

For artist [Name not found in source text – needs to be added], the journey began during a three-year art course where he discovered the cathartic effect of working with paper. It wasn’t just about the final product, but the process of making the paper itself that captivated him. Today, he crafts a diverse range of papers, distinguished by varying colours and textures, produced in a bespoke workshop designed to accommodate the entire process.

Harakeke, known for its strength, offers a sustainable resource as all parts of the leaf can be utilized, provided the parent plant and its offshoots are left to regenerate. But turning this tough fibre into paper is far from simple.The conversion begins with separating the fibre from the flax leaf. The leaves are then chopped into 2cm pieces using a chaff cutter. This material is then introduced to a unique, repurposed hangi cooker, a traditional Maori earth oven, modified with a gas bottle attachment. Combined with water and caustic soda, the mixture simmers for two days, before being drained and thoroughly rinsed.

Next,the fibre undergoes a beating,rinsing,and draining process,refining it into a pulp that can be bleached to a cotton-like appearance. The key to success lies in ensuring the fibres can interlock, creating the structural integrity of the paper.

The pulp,now resembling a thick “soup,” is mixed with water,and then the papermaking begins.A mould, similar to a screen printing frame, is carefully pulled through the liquid, depositing a delicate film onto the mesh. This is left to drain and dry. Compared to Western papermaking techniques which involve couching onto felt repeatedly, this process handles the fibre differently, yielding unique characteristics. The final paper undergoes a smoothing process using a mangle with rollers for a polished finish.

This dedication to traditional methods and natural materials creates a paper unlike any other. beyond harakeke, the artist explores the re-use of materials such as denim and even manure showcasing that almost any cellulose-based material is a potential source for creating unique and sustainable paper.

The result is not merely a medium for art, but a continuation of an ancient practice, honouring both the material and the process.

How does the Marton Workshop demonstrate *kaitiakitanga* in their papermaking process?

Artisanal Harakeke paper Crafted by Marton Workshop Celebrates New Zealand’s Natural Beauty

The Legacy of Harakeke: A Māori Treasure

Harakeke, or New Zealand flax ( Phormium tenax), holds a deeply important place in Māori culture. Beyond its practical uses for weaving clothing, ropes, and baskets, harakeke represents whānau (family) – the mother plant representing the parent, the daughter plants the children, and the roots connecting them all. The Marton Workshop, nestled in the heart of New Zealand, is dedicated to preserving this legacy by transforming harakeke into exquisite, handcrafted paper. This isn’t simply papermaking; it’s a continuation of ancestral knowledge and a celebration of Aotearoa’s unique flora.

The Marton Workshop: A Commitment to Sustainable Papermaking

The Marton Workshop isn’t a large-scale operation. It’s a small, dedicated team committed to sustainable practices. They meticulously harvest harakeke leaves,ensuring the ongoing health of the plants and respecting the cultural protocols surrounding their use. This commitment to kaitiakitanga (guardianship) is central to their ethos.

Here’s a breakdown of their process:

1. Harvesting: Leaves are carefully selected and harvested, typically from established flax plantations.
2. Stripping & Planning: The outer layers of the harakeke leaf are removed, leaving the fibre. This fibre is then washed and prepared for pulping.
3. Pulping: Traditionally, this involved beating the fibres with wooden mallets. Modern techniques may incorporate gentle mechanical pulping, always prioritizing fibre integrity.
4. Sheet Forming: The pulp is then hand-laid onto screens, creating individual sheets of paper.
5. Pressing & Drying: Sheets are pressed to remove excess water and then dried, frequently enough naturally in the sun.
6. Finishing: The resulting paper is often textured and can be left natural or subtly dyed using plant-based pigments.

Unique Characteristics of harakeke Paper

Harakeke paper isn’t like anything you’ll find on the high street.Its distinctive qualities make it highly sought after by artists, designers, and those seeking unique stationery.

Texture: The natural fibres create a lovely, tactile texture, ranging from smooth to heavily textured depending on the processing.

Strength & Durability: despite its delicate appearance, harakeke paper is surprisingly strong and durable.

Natural Colour Variations: The paper exhibits subtle variations in colour, reflecting the natural hues of the flax plant. These range from creamy whites and pale greens to richer browns.

Unique Fibre Patterns: Each sheet displays the unique patterns of the harakeke fibres, making every piece truly one-of-a-kind.

Eco-Kind: As a naturally renewable resource, harakeke paper is a sustainable option to traditional wood-pulp paper.

Fine Art: Painters and mixed-media artists appreciate the paper’s texture and ability to hold various mediums.

Calligraphy & Letterpress: The paper’s surface is ideal for showcasing the elegance of calligraphy and the impression of letterpress printing.

Wedding Stationery: Harakeke paper adds a touch of New Zealand authenticity and sophistication to wedding invitations, place cards, and other stationery.

Corporate Branding: Businesses seeking to convey a commitment to sustainability and cultural sensitivity are using harakeke paper for business cards, letterheads, and packaging.

Book Arts: The paper is increasingly used by bookbinders and artists creating handmade books.

Gift Tags & Wrapping: Small sheets of harakeke paper make beautiful and eco-friendly gift tags and wrapping.

Avoid Direct sunlight: Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause the paper to fade.

Handle with Care: While durable, the paper is still delicate. Avoid excessive bending or creasing.

Store in a Dry Place: Moisture can damage the paper. Store in a cool, dry habitat.

* Frame Artwork: Framing artwork created on harakeke paper will protect it