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

BIENNIAL FIBER ARTS & QUILT SHOW
February 25-March 22, 2013
Davis Art Gallery, Stephens College
Columbia, MO  65215
opening reception: Friday, March 1, 4:00-6:00 p.m.
participating artists: Pat Owoc, Leandra Spangler, Jacqueline Weatherly, Jennifer Wax

FORMS FROM THE CONTEMPORARY ANCIENT
June 1-30, 2013
Margaret Harwell Art Museum
Poplar Bluff, MO  63901
opening reception: Saturday, June 1, 2013, 5:00 ­ 7:00 p.m.
participating artists:  Leandra Spangler , Carol Zeman

 

CLASSES at BEAR CREEK PAPERWORKS and beyond

Leandra Spangler will teach these workshops in her studio, Bear Creek Paperworks, in Columbia, MO. Class size is kept small (6-12) to assure plenty of individual attention. Check your calendar and join in the fun. For more information or to register, contact  leandra@bearcreekpaperworks.com . If you can't make these dates and want personal one-on-one instruction or studio time, call 573-442-3360 for arrangements.  

DENIM & LONG STITCH *NEW CLASS*
January 12, 2013; Saturday 10-4; $65 includes all materials

A new use for old blue jeans:  repurpose that denim into a cover for a sketchbook or journal.  Fold paper into a folio; stack folios into signatures and stitch signatures with Irish waxed linen to the soft denim cover.  The long stitch (binding) allows pages to lay flat for easy writing or drawing.  At the end of the day, you will have created a unique book to give as a gift or keep for yourself.  And as a bonus, you will know how do repeat the process at home. For more information or to register leandra@bearcreekpaperworks.com or call 573-442-3360.

 

COLLAGE CARDS
February 26, 2013, Tuesday 6-9pm; fee 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)

 

SMALL BOOKS: A PRIMER
March 16, 2013; Saturday 10-4; $89 includes all materials

Learn simple stitched bookmaking basics: pamphlet binding, stab binding, multiple signatures as well as closures, soft and hard cover construction. You will construct several small books. No bookmaking experience necessary. (This class is offered through the Columbia Area Career Center, but will be held at Bear Creek Paperworks. To register: 573-214-3803)

 

THERMAL SCREEN PRINTING *NEW CLASS*
March 30; Saturday 10-4; $65 includes all materials

Transform your black and white drawings or copyright free clip art into a screen for printing on fabric or paper.  Before class, make photocopies of several linear designs you want as a screen.  Screens are 8.5" x 11", so plan margins and edging for your "frame".  Two smaller images can be made on the same screen and cut apart.  After making a screen for printing, we will print the images onto fabric and paper.  Class fee includes three 11"x8.5" thermal screens; additional screens are $6 each.    If you aren't familiar with this technique, check out YouTube videos on Thermofax Screen Printing. For more information or to register leandra@bearcreekpaperworks.com or call 573-442-3360.

 

PAPERMAKING FROM PLANTS
April 20; Saturday 10-4; $65 includes all materials

Learn the process of making paper from common local 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. A great workshop for beginning or experienced papermakers. For more information or to register leandra@bearcreekpaperworks.com or call 573-442-3360.

 

RANDOM WEAVE BASKETS
April 27; Saturday 10-4; $65 includes all materials

Using natural vines and reed, you will learn to weave a form/basket/well hanging with random structure.  The result will be a "post modern" or "deconstructed" form.  In other words, if you don't like measuring spokes or following printed directions, this style of basket making is for you! For more information or to register leandra@bearcreekpaperworks.com or call 573-442-3360.

 

SIMPLE BOOKS:  SIMPLE STRUCTURES - a week long intensive!
June 17-21, 2013; M-F;
9 am-4 pm; studio available evenings

Learn folding without measuring, invisible joining, removable covers, hard covers and closures, as you create a sampling of books using simple structures. Participants will learn: flag, photo and envelope books based on the accordion fold; use the clam/lotus fold to create star, inchworm and ornament books and stitched structures using pamphlet binding, stab binding and Coptic binding. Of special interest to creative writing and elementary/secondary education students, these inviting book structures will excite young readers and nonreaders and will also provide an interesting format for classroom presentations in all subject areas.  Two hours (graduate or undergraduate) college credit is available through Central Methodist University.  Class will be held at Bear Creek Paperworks Studio in Columbia, MO.  For more information or to register leandra@bearcreekpaperworks.com or call 573-442-3360.

 

HAND PAPERMAKING -- EXPERIMENTATION AND EXPLORATION* - a week long intensive!
June 24-28, 2013;   M-F;
9 am-4 pm; studio available evenings

Emphasizing experimentation with papermaking techniques, participants will use cotton linter pulp to make many samples of handmade paper. Techniques will include: flat sheet forming, layering color blocks, layering shapes of color (stencil/shaped deckles), shaping pulps by hand, creating textures (impressing, appliqué, hand manipulation), pulp painting and wet collage. Use of watermarks, pulp inclusions, pulp coloration, paper chemistry (sizing, formation aid), pulp preparation from linters and drying methods will be discussed. Students will construct a mould and deckle.  Two hours (graduate or undergraduate) college credit is available through Central Methodist University.  Class will be held at Bear Creek Paperworks Studio in Columbia, MO.  For more information or to register leandra@bearcreekpaperworks.com or call 573-442-3360.

 

PAPERMAKING FROM PLANTS - a week long intensive! *NEW CLASS*
@ Eureka Springs School of the Arts , Eureka Springs, AR  
July 8-12, 2012; M-F; 9 am-4 pm

Learn the process of making paper from common local plants. You will love turning the sword shaped leaves from your garden waste into handmade paper. Iris, day lily, daffodil, surprise lily, yucca, cat tail (to name a few) all make a unique and interesting paper.  Some are translucent others dense with texture. Naturally colors range from creamy tan to russet brown, but can be pigmented to create a rainbow.  You will identify paper potential plants; gather/harvest; cut/cook/process into pulp by hand beating with a mallet, blender beating and in the Hollander beater.  No previous papermaking experience is necessary.

 

SKIN & BONES -- SCULPTURAL FORMS OF REED AND PAPER - a week long intensive! *NEW CLASS*
@ Eureka Springs School of the Arts, Eureka Springs, AR   
July 15-19, 2013; M-F; 9-4 pm  

Create the bones of a sculptural form using the traditional basket making technique of twining, but with a twist.  These pliable armatures will be twisted, curled or expanded into sculptural forms pleasing to the maker.  Held rigid during drying and sheathing, the skeletal structure of reed will be covered with skin of decorative/handmade papers.  Selection of papers and pattern of appliqué will individualize each participant's form creating a unique personal expression.  No two will be alike.  This technique/process can be used for creating work for the wall or pedestal.  Mechanics for hangers, creating bases, building in balance and care of completed sculptural work will be addressed. 

* 2012 Central Methodist University fees (fee increase for 2013 is possible):

Audit/CPU (no credit):  $350.00
2 hours undergraduate credit:  $350.00
2 hours graduate credit:  $430.00
plus materials fee: $35 to instructor on the first day of class