Why Not Joomchi
Dates: May 31 – June 5, 2026
Skill Level: Open to All Skill Levels
Focus Areas: Paper & Books, Fibers
Course Fee: $760.00
Discover the expressive and tactile art of traditional Korean papermaking in Why Not Joomchi, an immersive workshop exploring the transformation of fiber and water into strong, richly textured handmade paper.
Open to all skill levels, this hands-on course introduces students to the historic and contemporary applications of Joomchi, a centuries-old Korean technique that builds layered paper surfaces through agitation, pressure, and time.
Workshop Overview
Originating from the Goryeo Dynasty, Joomchi was traditionally used to create durable everyday items such as pouches and rain gear. Today, it continues to inspire contemporary artists through its distinctive textures, strength, and organic, painterly surfaces.
Students will work with Hanji (Korean mulberry paper) and water-based processes to explore:
- Layering and fusing paper fibers through agitation
- Surface texture development and manipulation
- Historical context and cultural significance of Joomchi
- Contemporary applications in mixed media art
As the layered paper develops, it transforms into a strong, flexible material with a leather-like quality that becomes more beautiful over time.
Contemporary Applications
Participants will experiment with reinterpreting Joomchi into modern artistic forms, including:
- Surface design and collage
- Experimental book and book arts
- Wearable and body-based adornment
- Two-dimensional and sculptural works
- Mixed media and installation pieces
A Versatile and Expressive Medium
This workshop encourages exploration across traditional and contemporary approaches, offering artists a chance to expand their material vocabulary while engaging deeply with process, texture, and transformation.
By the end of the course, students will leave with finished works and a strong understanding of Joomchi’s potential as both a historic craft and a contemporary art form.
Learn More – https://arrowmont.org/workshop/why-not-joomchi/
