Irsara, Irma
Irma Irsara grew up in the Dolomite region of Northern Italy and studied at the 'Istituto d'Arte di Ortisei, Bolzano' and the 'Accademia di Belle Arti di Urbino'. As well as her paper pulp art she has produced work in a variety of media including gesso, printmaking, installations and bookworks. She currently lives and works in London and holds regular exhibitions in galleries and cultural centres both here and in Italy.
''I describe my work as paper pulp art. It is created from scratch using hand-made papermaking techniques where the colour is applied in layers of mashed and dyed cotton paper pulp. The surface of the finished pieces is usually in relief and is sometimes almost three-dimensional.''
''I would describe the work as abstract and organic. The weight and intensity of the colours are calculated exactly so that they vibrate in balanced unity creating a sense of space. A piece is often sparked off by something observed or some response to my environment which, when translated into a very basic sketch, becomes the bones of the picture. I value the time constraints of the drying process which helps avoid the danger of over-refinement and keeps the work fresh. I’m also careful to find the precise point where the work should be left alone, usually where something more can be added in the mind of the viewer.''
''I give my pictures titles which will lead to further thought. The picture is complete when the title is determined.''