The Drachen Foundation embarked upon an ambitious, multi-year project to expose kites to the world art community. The Foundation's "Paper Wings Kite Project" emphasized the utility and beauty of paper as the primary medium for kite making and reached out to design schools, art teachers, and present kite enthusiasts to exploit this traditional kite making material. Used throughout Asia, paper is a common material for most traditional kites and is used in the smallest and largest examples. Varieties of appropriate papers vary as much as the designs of the kites in which they are used. For European and American kite makers, paper has largely been a forgotten, ignored, or unrecognized medium.
One of the many reasons for embarking upon this course is the utility of paper: a medium for painting and dyeing, photography, or piecing, paper is as functional as any kite making material. Experienced fine artists can be encouraged to marry their art to the sculptural forms of kites. Kite artists can be exposed to proven graphic methods, a material conducive to creativity and experimentation, and to established artists and their techniques. Paper enthusiasts, as well, will be shown new uses for their product. Paper sails can be attached to frames of wood, bamboo, or carbon fiber, so kite making possibilities are endless.
During 2001 and 2002, the Foundation supported a number of kite making forums with the common theme being paper. Additionally, it made a concerted effort at outreach to the art community at large into design schools, art departments, and papermaking circles. Recognized kite artists, adept at kite making techniques featuring paper were guest lecturers and demonstrators in these forums. Additionally, at the end of 2001, a collection of their work has been organized and exhibited.
The culmination of this outreach was a worldwide competition for paper kites held at the end of 2002. The Drachen Foundation encouraged entry of Asian traditional kites, miniature kites, kites using innovative framing materials, and creative efforts by experienced and first-time kite makers. $3000 in prize money was awarded for the best kites in several categories, including creative, traditional, and miniature.
Judges:
Betty Street
Lubbock, Texas
Renown artist and kitemaker
Alan Farkas
Seattle, Washington architect
John Stevenson
Seattle, Washington
Noted collector and author of books on the Art of the Japanese Print
Scott Skinner
Colorado Springs, Colorado
President of the Drachen Foundation
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Sauer, Anke
Viersan, Germany
Jack 2 in the Box
15" x 56" x 3" |
Loske, Angela
Vienna, Austria
Stripes + Seams
24" x 35" x .4" |
