ARTIST: Chertoff
Chertoff studied at Pratt developing a special process of layering handmade dyed natural papers with her drawings and gold leaf. She describes these assemblages as 'tapestries,' works that can weave light and fiber.
Migratory Moment IV, 20" h x 20" w, original mixed medium with gold leaf on canvas
 Avian Odyssey IV10" h x 10" w original mixed medium with gold leaf on canvas |  Avian Odyssey VIII10" h x 10" w original mixed medium with gold leaf on canvas |  Migratory Moment VII10" h x 10" w original mixed medium with gold leaf on canvas |
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 Migratory Moment VIII10" h x 10" w original mixed medium with gold leaf on canvas |
The Artist's Process
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The fiber Kozo is processed by hand cooked in a caustic soda to release impurities in the fiber
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Abaca, a banana leaf fiber, is put in a large beater and beaten
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Both fibers are dyed and pigmented
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Next, a fiberglass screen is cut to an exact dimension
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A chemical formation aid is added to the colored pulp fiber
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Colors are mixed in 5-gallon buckets
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The fiberglass screen is put on top of another screen
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Pulp is diluted and poured in layers for the desired color and or texture
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Next, the images such as the birds are original and hand-drawn
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They are cut out with a backing of heat-sensitive paper
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The images are rolled by hand with an ink
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The images are gilded with 23 Karat gold
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The images are drawn through the gold to create contour and texture
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The images are arranged on the fiberglass screen
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The images are heat activated and are glued to the fiberglass surface
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Layers of thin pulp are integrated into the design creating depth and mystery
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The work is sealed and protected