Leandra Spangler's passion for papermaking began in 1986 when she first plunged her hands into a vat of pulp. In the subsequent years, Leandra has explored numerous ways of making and using paper (handmade and found) as a medium in her creative artistic expressions. After twenty five years of teaching art in the public schools, Leandra became a full time studio artist in June, 2000.

Spangler creates an armature, woven from reed, lashed bamboo and/or wire, as the bones for her contemporary basketry. Highly textured handmade paper of black denim creates the skin. The paper exoskeleton is sealed and finished with layers and layers of color. These sculptural vessels are shown across the country at invitational and juried exhibitions.

About her work, Leandra says:

I am intrigued by the way light falls on a surface creating highlights and subtle variations of shadow. To create interesting variations on the paper surface, I press found objects into newly formed sheets of (cotton water leaf) handmade paper. These vessels: simple reed and paper structures are often misidentified as metal, ceramic or stone. Viewers are intrigued by the visual and physical paradox: the perception of weight and mass and the reality of paper and reed.

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Exhibitions

Fibrations
October 1-29, 2010
Waverly House
2031 S. Waverly
Springfield, MO 65804
417.882.3445
www.waverlyhouse.com

Re : Interpretations '10 : More MOjo Magic
October 5-31, 2010
Perlow-Stevens Gallery
812 E. Broadway
Columbia, MO 65205
573-442-4831
www.perlow-stevensgallery.com

Weaver's Guild of St. Louis Holiday Sale
November 4-6, 2010
Brentwood Community Center
2505 S. Brentwood Blvd.
St. Louis, MO
www.weaversguildstl.org/guildsale.htm

Columbia Weavers & Spinners Guild Holiday Exhibition & Sale
November 12-14, 2010
Boone County Historical Society
3801 Ponderosa St.
Columbia, MO 65203
cwsg.missouri.org/HES.html

Winter 2011 Exhibition
Preston Contemporary Art Center
January 14- April 30, 2011
1755 Avenida de Mercado
PO Box 1022
Mesilla, NM 88046
575-523-8713
www.prestoncontemporaryart.com

 

Classes at Bear Creek Paperworks

September 14, 2010
COLLAGE CARDS
6-9 pm $39 includes all materials

Learn the basics of visual composition as well as technical tips as you play with decorative papers, found objects or recycled materials. You'll create a series of cards while experimenting with color, balance and repetition. No design experience is necessary.

This class is offered through the Columbia Area Career Center, but will be held at Bear Creek Paperworks. To register: 573-214-3803; jvinyard@columbia.k12.mo.us; Columbia Area Career Center

 

September 18, 2010
KNOTLESS NETTING
10 am - 4 pm $65 includes all materials

Knotless netting or looping is a basketry technique as old as the hills. Learn the basic stitch (loop) as you use waxed linen to "net" a pebble to wear as an amulet. Combine looped variations in patterns as you increase your skill and create a netted treasure bag with a flap. No design experience is necessary.

 

October 16, 2010
PASTE PAPERS
10 am - 4 pm $65 includes all materials

Remember finger painting when you were very young? Enjoy that experience again and create interesting patterns on card stock. These beautifully decorated papers can be used for cards, envelopes, bookmarks or cut into strips and used as a basket material.

 

December 11, 2010
MAKUK INSPIRED JEWELRY
10 am - 4 pm $65 includes all materials

Create contemporary jewelry inspired by the makuk.  A makuk is a traditional Ojibwe basket form for gathering sap made by folding and stitching bark.  Using this design as a starting place, we will use patterned paste paper to fold, lace and embellish with bead embroidery or bead fringe. Create second makuk (pendant or pin) of copper sheeting. Learn to texture and oxidize copper to fold and lace with waxed linen.  Each piece will be your individualized,one of a kind personal adornment. No design experience is necessary.

 

January 8, 2010
COPTIC BINDING
10 am - 4 pm $65 includes all materials

Learn an ancient and beautiful book structure with exposed stitching along the spine. Coptic binding allows a book to open flat creating a comfortable surface for writing or drawing. This binding takes practice to master, but the results are worth it. No previous book making experience is necessary.

 

February 5, 2011
PAPERMAKING FROM PLANTS
10 am - 4 pm $65 includes all materials

Learn the process of making paper from common plants from harvesting, preparations, cooking, beating to forming sheets. If you've never made paper from beater processed plant pulps, this is an opportunity to explore a variety of plant fibers (day lily leaves, surprise lily leaves, daffodil/jonquil leaves, and more). No previous papermaking experience is necessary. Great for beginning or experienced papermakers.

Leandra Spangler will teach the above workshops in her studio in Columbia, MO. For more information or to register, contact leandra@bearcreekpaperworks.com Class size is kept small (6 - 10) to assure plenty of individual attention. Check your calendar and join in the fun. If you can't make these dates and want personal one-on-one instruction or studio time, call 573-442-3360 for arrangements.