GF Smith produces eco-friendly papers used by artists, printmakers, illustrators, and graphic designers. I recently visited the G F Smith paper factory, thanks to the Feral Art School’s re-wilding practice programme. During my visit, I was impressed by their commitment to sustainability and was inspired to try out some of their papers in my artwork.
My artwork focuses on habitats that have been affected by the climate crisis. Currently, I am studying a woodland area that was burned in a wildfire on the hottest day of 2022. I am documenting both the damage caused and the gradual regeneration of the site. I use mostly wet media such as ink, watercolour, or water-based paints in my 2D work, both on-site and in the studio.
GF Smith provided me with some sample sheets of their colourplan papers (made sustainably in the UK) and Neenah Environment paper (made from 30% post-consumer fibres). I tested both papers using a variety of techniques and mediums. Here are my findings:
- Fibre structure – The Neenah paper produced amazing, non-linear fibrous torn edges that contrasted well with the colour plan, which produced a cleaner straight tear. Contrasting edge style is very useful in collage work.
- Dry mediums – Pen, pencil, and chalk pencils all worked really well on both papers. The fibre qualities of the Neenah paper meant that there was more contrast in how the pencil/chalk pencils sat on the surface compared to the pen marks. Both papers gave clear detailed marks with dry media.
- Watercolour/gouache – Both papers performed really well for wet-on-dry use of watercolour and gouache. The properties of the colour plan paper meant that the wet mediums were kept nearer the surface than the same marks on Neenah. Neither paper showed any degradation of the paper structure, allowing detailed mark-making to show really crisply.
- Wet-in-wet – Both papers struggled with wet-in-wet techniques, giving a quite muddy effect. The Neenah paper buckled more than the colour plan paper. Impressively, though, neither paper disintegrated. Once dry, the papers could be worked into using dry media.
Overall, I was very impressed with how both these papers performed. In particular, they coped with wet-on-dry watercolour, gouache, and inks well, giving clear detailed brush marks. The colour plan paper performed slightly better than cartridge paper for similar styles, and the Neenah has many unique properties that merit further testing and exploration.
GF Smith papers are eco-friendly and sustainable. Before visiting GF Smith, I did not realise how many different paper surfaces are made from different materials. This is definitely something I wish to learn from for my art practice—for example, the interaction between visual, tactile, and sound qualities for each paper type was unique.
Many thanks to GF Smith for providing me with the paper samples to test!
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Further Information:
Neenah Environment paper
Colour Plan paper
GF Smith
First invented over 2000 years ago in China, paper is one of the few entirely sustainable products manufactured (1). The main components of paper are Cellulose and Lignin (both sourced from plant fibres such as trees or cloth) along with size (e.g. rosin, starch or gum) to help strengthen and bind the fibres.
Making Paper
‘The History of Paper’ (2), lists the main ingredients of the contemporary paper manufacturing process as follows:
- Primary fibre component: This is the main source of lignin and cellulose. The majority of paper worldwide is now made with sustainable wood fibre. Some high-end papers, like watercolour paper, are made using linen or cotton cloth fibres as the primary fibre source. Fibres can be divided into ‘long fibres’ (mainly softwood tree sources), and ‘short fibres’ (hardwood tree sources). Different species of tree have different lengths of fibre, which affects the qualities of the paper.
- Secondary fibre component: This can be sourced from recycled paper fibre or a different cloth or plant fibre added to the primary fibre source.
- Bleaching and Colouring agents – raw fibres are unappealing dark brown / grey hues so bleaching agents or masking agents are used to make the fibres white/ cream, prior to colourants (like pigments or dyes) being added to make a huge variety of paper colours.
- Size – viscose binding materials such as Rosin, starch or talc are added to strengthen and stiffen the paper fibres.
- Fillers – can be added and used to alter the qualities and structure of the paper and/ or its surface qualities – materials like clay, talc or Titanium dioxide (rutile) are used to give paper structure.
(2) / (3)
Watch this video to find out more about how paper pulp is made using the components listed above:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UwJGizHtWXo
Myths and Facts Regarding Sustainability
Having previously believed that ‘paperless’ (e-commerce/online) is more environmentally responsible, I was surprised to learn that paper has a number of environmental benefits and is one of the few genuinely sustainable manufacturing processes that exist globally. Like any industry, there are some key challenges like high water usage and processing of residual materials. However, there are a number of surprising sustainability facts about paper and its manufacturing process.
Take a look at this short film from ‘Two Sides’ to find out more:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_5eXUH80wfw
Sources used in this post:
- Paper mill Direct: https://www.papermilldirect.co.uk/inspire/10-interesting-paper- facts#:~:text=1.,and%20pieces%20of%20hemp%20material.
- History of Paper: http://www.historyofpaper.net/making-paper/ingredients-of-paper/
- Aalto University – Wood Science videos 1 – 5 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CJVzDGZ88X4&list=PL7Ddm62__-gjaDA2XovRE2-jMzZ-YBf3u
- Two Sides: https://twosides.info/myths-and-facts
Further information:
Two Sides Sustainability Facts:
Information about Sustainable practices at GF Smith
Forestry and woodland habitats
Re-Wilding Practice: A Year-Long Program for Art and Environmental Sustainability
Re-wilding Practice is a year-long intensive research and practice-based program developed by Feral Art School in collaboration with an industry partner, G F Smith (a paper manufacturer).
Together with nine other artists, I am excited to have the opportunity to “re-wild” my creative practice by exploring, observing, and researching innovative paper production processes aimed at reducing environmental impact.
As someone who is passionate about environmental and social justice, I use my painting practice to raise awareness of habitats impacted by the climate crisis. I am new to exploring the possibilities of paper in my artwork, and I am particularly interested in learning about the environmental concerns and practices of such a large global industry.
Further information:
Feral Re-wilding Practice programme
GF smith
Alternative art schools:
Feral art School
The Other MA
Turps art school
