photo credit: Shannon Stark

As a Contemporary Paper Artist I work primarily with pen nibs, acrylic inks and fluid acrylics on a textural multilayered fusion of manipulated papers combining extreme linear detailing. 

Paper is outrageously versatile. It brings to the process history, character, personality, individuality, and a remarkably wide range of performance levels.  It is critical to not overprocess the paper back to it's pre-paper form or pulp state, but to work with the crinkles, folds, ridges, tears, absorbancy, repellency or sizing that are personal and individual to every type and sheet. I am fascinated by the way these crumpled and gently maniuplated surfaces contribute to the process and influence the outcome.

Fluid acrylics and acrylic inks allow me to alter paint consistency without sacrificing color strength; using this attribute to assist the paint’s exploration of the surface while maintaining colour intensity. Layered washes are achievable with semi transparent acrylics while the opaques are perfect for layering a galaxy of multi-hued lines enhancing the depth and movement offered by the unique surface.

I am continually exploring the alluring intricate synergy between the paper structure, the paint and my own contribution; the result greater than the sum of the individual effects. I strive for each piece to project the internal energy inherent in all matter, establish rapport, grasp that most basic language at work; a beautiful alignment of atoms where a natural magnetism or recognition occurs;
a "visual pheromone" if you will.

My current work continues with the exploration of subject compatibility to technique, and of the capacity of the material to endure manipulation without losing its "voice". 

                                                                                                                                                 - Col Mitchell.