Colored paper pulp is an art medium that many are likely unfamiliar with. The first half of this mammoth book explains not only what exactly the medium is but also begins in the late 1940s with one of its "godfathers"—papermaker Douglass Morse Howell (1906-1994). Howell began experimenting with and creating two- and three-dimensional art using colored pulp. There is also an interview with his daughter, Elisabeth King, who shares an intriguing story about how, when Howell was a child, he lived in Florence, Italy, and had the chance to actually hold old drawings by Renaissance masters Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo.

Of course, Howell isn't the only godfather of the medium to have a career retrospective either. Laurence Barker (whom the authors interviewed for the book), Kenneth Tyler, and the late Alan Shields are among those included. There is also an interesting section of artists from the present day who share first-person accounts about the meaning behind their work. The long list features Peter Gentenaar, Joan Hall, Kyoko Ibe, and even the authors themselves. Near the end, the authors discuss various creative workshops and the work that has been produced from them.

The last section of this work is the gallery, featuring nothing but page after page of breathtaking artwork. It is worth noting, though, that even before this last section, artwork abounds. Sures and Samour have created one of the most fascinating and knowledgeable art books to be released in some time. This is an up-close and personal look at a variety of artists in the field. The authors' unique book will hold great appeal to anyone interested in the history of art.

RECOMMENDED by the US Review

The 2025 Eric Hoffer Book Award Art Category Winner

Return to USR Home