MAKING PAPER –

Behind the Scenes at HUUN.

Traditionally the ancient Maya flattened the inner bark of the Ficus tree using a special textured stone tool that left a slight texture to the end paper.

In order to be more mindful of the environment, Mark adapted the ancient technique to use a plant fiber instead. The Sanseviera plant is the basis for HUUN paper today and it provides a strength and flexibility beyond many of the usual handmade papers on the market.

Due to the plant fiber substitution, the technique was further revised and Mark borrowed from the Japanese washi traditions in order to process the pulp properly. Once the pulp has been mixed and couched, the usual Mayan technique resumes through the use of the same hu’un textured stones that were used centuries ago.

 

Watch Mark make HUUN Paper with filmmaker Elizabeth Upton: