detail of “Aino’s Tresses”
The inspiration for my handmade paper series stemmed from the intricate patterns I had been printing on fabric, capturing the essence of ocean surfaces. Eager to explore new avenues for this imagery, I decided to transition from fabric to paper printing, with the intention of handcrafting the paper myself. As a craftsperson, the selection of materials is a pivotal aspect of my creative process. In my exploration, I uncovered the possibility of incorporating seaweed into the paper-making process. The distinct bladder wrack and knotted wrack seaweed varieties are synonymous with the beaches of Maine and became my chosen materials. To bring this vision to life, I arranged for a shipment of these iconic seaweeds to be sent from the shores of Maine to my studio in North Carolina. No seaweed was harmed in this process: what was collected had already dislodged from holdfasts and was washed up on the beach. Special thanks to Noreen Mullaney, Tatijana and the printmaking studio at Western Carolina University, and Melissa Ezelle for her tutorials on papermaking.
First step is to boil the seaweed down
Bladder Wrack (Fucus vesiculosus) is a brown algae that typically grows in dense, bushy tufts attached to rocks by a holdfast. The thallus (the main body of the seaweed) is flat and dichotomously branched, forming distinctive air-filled bladders or vesicles along its fronds. These bladders help the seaweed float at the water's surface, maximizing exposure to sunlight.
Bladder wrack is commonly found in the intertidal zone, where it experiences regular exposure to both air and water during tidal changes. It thrives in areas with moderate to strong wave action, attaching itself to rocks and other substrates.
Like many seaweeds, bladder wrack plays a crucial role in coastal ecosystems. It provides habitat and refuge for various marine organisms, serving as a nursery ground for juvenile fish and invertebrates. The seaweed also contributes to nutrient cycling and acts as a primary producer in marine food webs.
Knotted Wrack (Ascophyllum nodosum) also known as egg wrack, is another brown seaweed characterized by its long, branching fronds with distinctive, swollen air bladders or nodules. The fronds have a knotted appearance, with distinctive constrictions or nodes, hence the name "knotted wrack."
Knotted wrack is a common sight in the intertidal zone, often forming extensive beds along rocky coasts. It has a wide distribution in the North Atlantic and is known for its ability to tolerate a range of environmental conditions, including exposure to air during low tide.
Similar to bladder wrack, knotted wrack is ecologically important. It provides habitat complexity and serves as a substrate for various marine organisms. The seaweed is valued for its role in nutrient cycling, helping to maintain the health of coastal ecosystems.
My paper-making journey with cotton and seaweed from the Maine coast has been another meaningful way for me to connect with my roots: each sheet carries a story of the sea.
Seaweed in the Hollander Beater at WCU
Using the press at WCU Printmaking studio
The Kalevala is a Finnish epic poem compiled by Elias Lönnrot in the 19th century, "Aino's Tresses" refers to a tragic and poignant episode within the larger narrative. The character Aino is the sister of Joukahainen, and her story is intertwined with Väinämöinen, one of the central figures in the Kalevala.
The tale of Aino revolves around a series of events triggered by her encounter with Väinämöinen. When Väinämöinen proposes marriage to Aino, she rejects him. In her distress, Aino heads to the seashore, where she contemplates her predicament. Consumed by sorrow and unwilling to marry Väinämöinen, she seeks refuge in the waters and ultimately drowns.
“All the waters in the blue-sea
Shall be blood of Aino’s body;
All the fish that swim these waters
Shall be Aino’s flesh forever;
All the willows on the sea-side
Shall be Aino’s ribs hereafter;
All the sea-grass on the margin
Will have grown from Aino’s tresses.”
My six-panel piece of printed, handmade seaweed paper is thus titled “Aino’s Tresses”.