The Papermaker's Apprentice
US$2,585
of $2,500 targetyrs ago
Successful on 9th Jun 2014 at 1:00AM.
Paper fascinates me. From the first time I dipped a mould into a vat of pulp and water, I knew that I needed to create a career for myself in hand papermaking. My next step in developing my career is to fulfill the mill placement requirement of my master's degree. To do this I have been invited to apprentice for three months this summer with master papermaker Alejandro Geiler in Buenos Aires. The apprenticeship is at the production paper mill of Papelera Palermo, where forming 200%20 sheets a day will give me the necessary practice to build my skill level. I will learn ways of processing western and eastern papermaking fibers, which is necessary to supplement my graduate studies and the wood fiber focus of the industrial papermaking world.
The Opportunity
This opportunity to apprentice with Alejandro Geiler is pivotal to my career as a craftswoman. It took me eight months to locate and secure the position, which is unpaid. The Syracuse Pulp and Paper Foundation awarded me a stipend to cover the roundtrip flight from Syracuse to Buenos Aires. I've been selling to help cover the rest of the expenses: art prints I've made, clothing and books and collectibles, but I'm not quite there yet. With your help I can take advantage of this educational experience without going further in debt (and you'll get some paper goodies as a thank you!).
How The Funds Will Be Used
The following is the budgeted breakdown of expenses related to this apprenticeship. Your contribution will help offset the following costs:
Lodging $2,250.00
($30/day x 75 days)
Rental rate based on available studio apartments in
recommended neighborhoods.
Meals and Incidental Expenses $3,000.00
($40/day x 75 days)
This amount represents a third of the maximum
Federal Per Diem rate for Buenos Aires ($121). This
can be managed through cooking meals in the kitchen
of the rented studio and walking the 20 minutes to work
instead of using public transportation.
Travel Insurance $187.00
To cover flight cancellations, medical emergencies
not included in current health insurance coverage
and repatriation in case of accidental death. Rate
based on price comparison of several insurance
providers.
Argentinian Reciprocity Fee $160.00
Like a visa fee, the reciprocity fee is the price
United States Citizens pay to enter Argentina.
Total Need: $5,597.00
Lodging $2,250.00
($30/day x 75 days)
Rental rate based on available studio apartments in
recommended neighborhoods.
Meals and Incidental Expenses $3,000.00
($40/day x 75 days)
This amount represents a third of the maximum
Federal Per Diem rate for Buenos Aires ($121). This
can be managed through cooking meals in the kitchen
of the rented studio and walking the 20 minutes to work
instead of using public transportation.
Travel Insurance $187.00
To cover flight cancellations, medical emergencies
not included in current health insurance coverage
and repatriation in case of accidental death. Rate
based on price comparison of several insurance
providers.
Argentinian Reciprocity Fee $160.00
Like a visa fee, the reciprocity fee is the price
United States Citizens pay to enter Argentina.
Total Need: $5,597.00
The Challenges
My largest obstacle is securing the funds necessary to take advantage of this opportunity. The second challenge I foresee is the language barrier. The apprenticeship will be conducted in English but outside the apprenticeship I will be on my own. Having lived abroad for a year in Germany I know that the first step to language acquisition is using the new language from day one. I have been practicing with Spanish CDs and with computer programs. If I raise money in excess of my budget I will be able to take Spanish lessons during my first few weeks in Buenos Aires.
A big hug, firm handshake or pat on the back the next time I see you! Also, a shout out in my 'thanks y'all' blog post once the campaign is successful.
1 chosen / 2147483646 available
Est. delivery is Jun 14
A 2.5" folded paper star mailed to you with a big thank you!
2 chosen / 98 available
Est. delivery is Sep 14
A handmade postcard sent from me to you (or someone you love) with a thank you message and G-rated joke.
10 chosen / 65 available
Est. delivery is Jun 14
A 6-inch handmade paper star ornament. Various fibers and inclusions were used in making the papers. You might get a cotton and abaca star with floral inclusions or a seaweed paper paired with a tea dyed kozo. Hang it in your window and let the light shine through!
5 chosen / 5 available
Est. delivery is Jul 14
An 8.5-inch handmade paper star ornament. Various fibers and inclusions were used in making the papers. You might get a star made from recycled T-shirt cotton or a gampi paper with lavender or flowers. Hang it in your window and let the light shine through!
1 chosen / 9 available
Est. delivery is Jul 14
Little pocket sized accordion fold book made from kozo and seaweed paper. The pages are pockets for storage of other small mementoes.
0 chosen / 1 available
Est. delivery is Jul 14
Strand of five handmade paper stars. The stars are made with papers from various fibers including cotton, hosta, kozo and gampi and are strung together with glass beads.
1 chosen / 2 available
Est. delivery is Jul 14
I will make you a hardcover journal, covered with handmade paper made during my apprenticeship in Buenos Aires. If you choose this option I will contact you upon my return with pictures of your paper choices and to ask what size journal you prefer!
2 chosen / 2 available
Est. delivery is Dec 14
20 sheets of 8.5" x 11" handmade paper made from flax, abaca and floral inclusions.
2 chosen / 0 available
Est. delivery is Jul 14