There is a quiet moment between an artist and their surface long before a brush touches the page. The texture and weight of the material dictate how paint moves, how light reflects, and how an abstract idea comes to life. In my latest body of work, the Blue Configuration Series at Beth Urdang Gallery, that story started back in 2022 with the extraordinary tradition of handmade Khadi paper.
Key Takeaways
- The Blue Configuration Series began in 2022 on handmade Indian Khadi paper, made by hand from 100% recycled cotton rags, where no two sheets are ever identical.
- Negative space is the real subject of these pieces as much as the blue pigment itself, giving the eye a place to rest.
- The series is represented by Beth Urdang Gallery, and the featured piece is Blue Configuration No. 20 (22″ x 30″, acrylic on handmade Khadi paper, 2022).
The Origin of the Blue Configuration Series: Pure Joy and Artistic Guidance
I first created this series back in 2022, and you can see how it fits into my wider body of work in the gallery. Looking back, the creative process brought me so much pure joy.
Unlike long studio projects with many heavy layers, creating these paper works felt fast and direct. The blue paint met the soft cotton fibers with a quick, fluid movement, letting pure intuition guide my hand.
During that creative time, I was also lucky to receive great guidance from my mentor, Roger Washington. His support helped me trust my spontaneous marks and lean fully into the flow of the blue paint. I’m grateful for his mentorship, which taught me to let the medium lead the way.
The Story Behind the Surface: Why I Love Khadi Paper
To truly understand this series, you have to look closely at the paper. Khadi paper isn’t just a plain background. It acts as an active partner in every single piece.
I fell in love with the quality and distinct feel of Khadi paper right away. Artisans make this paper by hand in India using 100% cotton rag pulp, forming each sheet individually with a wooden mould dipped in a water vat, then finishing it with sun-based drying rather than industrial heat (Khadi and Village Industries Commission). Because of this slow, hands-on process, no two sheets are ever identical.
The texture that defines my “Queen of Texture” work on canvas shows up differently here, carried by the paper itself instead of layered paint.
- Natural Deckled Edges: Machine-cut paper has hard, sharp borders. Khadi paper features soft, feathery deckled edges. These raw margins give each sheet a sculptural feel, turning a flat painting into a physical object.
- Rich Organic Texture: The paper surface has subtle bumps, dips, and raw fibers. When liquid paint touches the cotton, it sinks deep into the page instead of sitting flat on top.
- Warm Neutral Tone: The unbleached cotton has a warm cream color. This soft background makes cool blue pigments pop with real, luminous energy.
In Focus: Blue Configuration No. 20 (22″ x 30″)
“Where deliberate gesture meets open space, form becomes a living pulse.”
A central highlight of the Blue Configuration Series at Beth Urdang Gallery is Blue Configuration No. 20. Measuring 22″ x 30″, this piece shows the full energy of the series on a generous sheet of heavy Khadi paper.
1. Natural Flow and Gesture
The main shape in Blue Configuration No. 20 feels completely natural and alive. It brings to mind coral formations, splashing water, or flowing calligraphy. Instead of stiff lines, the blue mark stretches out with real motion, capturing a moment of liquid movement frozen in time.
2. The Power of Negative Space
For me, negative space is the true key to this painting. The open, untouched areas of paper matter just as much as the blue paint itself. That central void creates an essential balance: it gives your eye a place to rest, hold still, and breathe. Without it, the energy of the blue stroke would overwhelm the viewer. With it, the piece finds its poise and quiet confidence.
3. Ultramarine and Cobalt Tones
The deep ultramarine and vivid cobalt tones carry strong emotional energy. Where I applied the paint thickly, it settled into a dark, velvety blue. Where the paint thinned out, light shines through soft, airy washes. Tiny paint splashes drip down the page like raindrops to complete the rhythm.
Living With Abstract Art: Styling Modern Interiors
Textured paper art brings a human touch to contemporary homes. It creates a warm, organic bridge between clean modern architecture and cozy living spaces.
When framing pieces from this collection, a floating mount inside a simple white box frame works best. Floating the paper reveals the raw deckled edges and lets soft shadows outline the natural border.
Easy Decor Tips for Collectors
- Mix Earth and Water Colors: Rich blue tones evoke the cool feel of water. Pair them with warm oak cabinets, natural linen fabrics, or smooth concrete walls.
- Keep Sculptures Simple: Place low-profile objects nearby to balance the room. A small stack of volcanic lava stones or a matte blue ceramic form echoes the shapes on the wall without competing for focus.
- Use Soft Ambient Lighting: Hang the painting where gentle, natural light can hit the textured paper. Good light highlights the contrast between matte cotton fibers and bold paint throughout the day.
Visit the Exhibition at Beth Urdang Gallery
Digital images show the bold movement of the work, but seeing the paintings in person is something else entirely. Standing in front of the art lets you appreciate the spontaneous joy, mentorship history, and deep texture woven into every sheet of Indian Khadi paper.
Come experience these paper works in person to see the vibrancy, depth, and organic beauty for yourself.
Exhibition Quick Details
- Series: Blue Configuration
- Gallery: Beth Urdang Gallery
- Featured Work: Blue Configuration No. 20 (22″ x 30″, acrylic on handmade Khadi paper, 2022)
Please contact Beth Urdang Gallery directly for purchasing inquiries, current gallery hours, or private viewing appointments. You can also reach out to Clara directly about commissioning a related piece.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Khadi paper, and why does Clara use it for this series?
Khadi paper is handmade in India from 100% recycled cotton rags, formed sheet by sheet in water vats and dried naturally in the sun. No two sheets are identical, and the raw deckled edges and organic texture become part of the artwork itself rather than just a surface to paint on.
What’s the significance of negative space in the Blue Configuration Series?
The open, untouched paper is as important as the blue pigment. It gives the eye a place to rest and keeps the gestural blue marks from overwhelming the composition, creating balance and quiet confidence in each piece.
Can I purchase a piece from the Blue Configuration Series?
Yes. Contact Beth Urdang Gallery directly for purchasing inquiries, current gallery hours, or private viewing appointments, or reach out to Clara directly to discuss a related commission.
How should I frame or display textured paper art like this?
A floating mount inside a simple white box frame works best. Floating the paper reveals the raw deckled edges and lets soft shadows outline the natural border, and soft, natural ambient light brings out the contrast between the matte cotton fibers and the bold pigment.
