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Harold and Marjorie Alexander have long been interested in the human environment, natural and man-made, and this has led them to teach art and design at all levels as artists, designers and authors, working together and with others. As their interests and influences have changed, they have gradually shifted emphases, but have always remained vitally aware of the sustainable environment. They have been constantly aware of the affect of "consumerism", i.e., acquire, use, toss.

For nearly 20 years, they have been increasingly focused upon handcrafted paper, particularly, fine and utilitarian papers and paper-based products made from non-wood fibers in small settings using minimal and inexpensive equipment for the purpose of augmenting individual, family, and community income. Their research, experience, and travels have provided them with extensive practical and realistic information. They have also found that to assist others, they must establish lasting relationships and respect between themselves and those whom they are visiting.

Fifteen years ago they had the opportunity to visit Jamaica and thus began their "paper journeys." Paper has prompted travel to England, Scotland, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, The Netherlands, Belgium, France, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Hungary, Yugoslavia, Greece, Austria, Turkey, Morocco, Egypt, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Uzbekistan, Jamaica, St. Lucia, and Mexico as well as throughout the United States and Canada. While visiting these countries they have met with hand papermakers, examined antique and contemporary equipment, gathered and tested indigenous plant fibers, and, in turn, served as technical consultants as hand papermaking centers were established in Kingston and Spanish Town, Jamaica; Castries, St. Lucia; and Cairo, Egypt. Reports of their research have been published in professional journals (list on request) and they have been invited to present lectures and demonstrations nationally and internationally.

Jamaica - In 1986 Harold was invited to come to Jamaica to assist with the development of inexpensive crafts at a "school leaver's school" in Spanish Town, the original capital of Jamaica. Marjorie accompanied him. At least five trained papermakers are making paper from native plants around the island.

St Lucia - In 1994 a box of fiber was given to Maralex Studios by a former Peace Corp Volunteer. In April 1995 the Alexanders were sent to St. Lucia to explore the possibility of establishing a hand papermaking center that would utilize the blue mahoe fibers, and fibers from banana and other plants native to the island. The Alexanders returned for four weeks in March 1997 to plan a papermaking center in a building donated by a local government agency.

Egypt - Currently, up to 50 papermakers are working six days a week to fill orders for their handcrafted recycled paper and paper-based products.

Read on...

Related Information

art@maralex.com - Arden Hills, MN


Home About Us Art Work Consulting Books Links		Handcrafted Paper Harold and Marjorie Alexander have long been interested in the human environment, natural and man-made, and this has led them to teach art and design at all levels as artists, designers and authors, working together and with others. As their interests and influences have changed, they have gradually shifted emphases, but have always remained vitally aware of the sustainable environment. They have been constantly aware of the affect of "consumerism", i.e., acquire, use, toss. For nearly 20 years, they have been increasingly focused upon handcrafted paper, particularly, fine and utilitarian papers and paper-based products made from non-wood fibers in small settings using minimal and inexpensive equipment for the purpose of augmenting individual, family, and community income. Their research, experience, and travels have provided them with extensive practical and realistic information. They have also found that to assist others, they must establish lasting relationships and respect between themselves and those whom they are visiting. Fifteen years ago they had the opportunity to visit Jamaica and thus began their "paper journeys." Paper has prompted travel to England, Scotland, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, The Netherlands, Belgium, France, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Hungary, Yugoslavia, Greece, Austria, Turkey, Morocco, Egypt, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Uzbekistan, Jamaica, St. Lucia, and Mexico as well as throughout the United States and Canada. While visiting these countries they have met with hand papermakers, examined antique and contemporary equipment, gathered and tested indigenous plant fibers, and, in turn, served as technical consultants as hand papermaking centers were established in Kingston and Spanish Town, Jamaica; Castries, St. Lucia; and Cairo, Egypt. Reports of their research have been published in professional journals (list on request) and they have been invited to present lectures and demonstrations nationally and internationally. Jamaica - In 1986 Harold was invited to come to Jamaica to assist with the development of inexpensive crafts at a "school leaver's school" in Spanish Town, the original capital of Jamaica. Marjorie accompanied him. At least five trained papermakers are making paper from native plants around the island. St Lucia - In 1994 a box of fiber was given to Maralex Studios by a former Peace Corp Volunteer. In April 1995 the Alexanders were sent to St. Lucia to explore the possibility of establishing a hand papermaking center that would utilize the blue mahoe fibers, and fibers from banana and other plants native to the island. The Alexanders returned for four weeks in March 1997 to plan a papermaking center in a building donated by a local government agency. Egypt - Currently, up to 50 papermakers are working six days a week to fill orders for their handcrafted recycled paper and paper-based products. Read on... Related Information Artwork Paper Consultation Schedule

		art@maralex.com - Arden Hills, MN