Paper Transformed Artist Reception

Weaver Tarja Cockell and mixed media sculptor Barbara Fletcher push the boundaries of paper as an artistic medium in Paper Transformed.Come and be amazed by the creative techniques that these artists use to transform paper into unique and compelling art.

North Andover weaver Tarja Cockell continues to explore new possibilities on her loom and has created a number of pieces using paper yarn from her native Finland, where she earned a degree in Textile and Design and taught weaving. Cockell focuses on contemporary dimensional textures and shapes. Weaving is often perceived as primarily structural, yet Cockell adds painterly effects in her work to portray fluid images.Cockell’s art is featured in the current “Handmade Business” publication.

Lowell based sculptor Barbara Fletcher is a storyteller and observer of nature, animals and the human condition. Inspired by Hieronymus Bosch, Pieter Bruegel, Flemish art and Japanese woodblock prints, Fletcher incorporates color, humor and satire inmany of her figurative pieces.As her 2D work evolves, Fletcher revels in details by utilizing simple non-printing press techniques, digital art, painting, and cut paper to bring her art to life. Some of her early work features a commission of fantasy sculptures for famed writer Stephen King. Fletcher is a life-long teacher and has been featured in several books about paper art and paper casting and has earned many awards throughout New England