Paden’s pulp paintings featured at In-Town

In-Town Gallery will feature pulp paintings by Traci Paden throughout this month. The public is invited to view these brightly colored, heavi ly t extured works at In-Town’s First Friday reception on March 2 from 5 to 8 p. m. at the gallery, 26-A Frazier Ave.

Paden is widely known for her dyed silk scarves and jackets, which are now shown in several states.

“A few years ago, I got the itch for a new creative challenge. I found the answer when I first saw the artwork of Chery Cratty,” Paden says.

“I began my journey with pulp painting when I received a master/ apprentice grant from Tennessee Craft to study with t he woman who developed this particular method of painting with pulp. Chery Cratty and I worked together for six months, over 300 hours of study. During this time, I was able to create my own style and vision of the pulp-painting method that she developed 15 years ago. Three years later, I feel that I have a body of work that I would like to share.”

Pulp paint is a l i ttle known, water- based, environmentally friendly medium that is made from cooked plants. The fillers and impurities are washed away leaving pure cellulose, which forms the binder for pigments.

Paden’s canvas is pre- pared by spraying black cotton pulp to create a rough, t extured base. Beginning with a photograph for inspiration, she uses colored pencils to change the photo until reaching a composition she likes. She then draws a sketch on the prepared canvas and begins to layer pulp with a palette knife.

Usually there is a buildup of seven to 10 layers before beginning the detail work, which is drawn with a porcupine quill. The finished result is a textured, realistic i mage in an Impressionistic style.

Gallery hours are 11 a. m.- 6 p. m. Monday- Saturday, 1-5 p.m. Sunday.

For more information: 423- 267- 9214 or www. intowngallery.com.

“Reflection,” a pulp painting by Traci Paden, in the exhibit “In the Moment.”