For two years, the Rhinoceros Project (Anne Beck and Michelle Wilson) traveled to sixteen different communities to offer participatory sewing circles in order to embroider a life-size watermark of Albrecht Durer’s “Rhinoceros.” Nearly six hundred people, of all ages and walks of life, contributed stitches.

 

Now complete, we are asking for your help to raise funds to create the finale of the project: a life-size watermark of Durer’s “Rhinoceros” in handmade paper using the embroidery. Please note this will not damage the embroidery, and when complete, the two works will stand as companion pieces suggesting presence and absence. 

 

In order to make this life-size watermark, we will stretch the embroidery on a frame, into which paper pulp will be poured. The raised embroidery threads will displace the pulp, creating the watermark. When dry, the handmade paper will be gently separated from the embroidery, revealing the ghostly image. 

 

We must complete the watermark pour in time for our exhibition, “How is Your Rhinoceros Inspiring You?” this November at the Mendocino Arts Center. After exhibiting, our goal is to sell the work to raise money for rhinoceros preservation.

 

Your donation will support the creation of the celebratory public event and watermark pour, high quality video documentation, and a documentary website. A specific cost breakdown is below.  
 

By investing in this project, you are supporting a project initiated and run by women artists; and their continued ability to make art. You are also supporting every person who contributed stitches to the project, giving them a chance to see their work completed. 

We couldn't do this project without your support. Our sincere thanks goes out to all of you who are a part of the Rhinoceros Project. 

Music: “Above the Clouds,” by Frequency Decree. 

All photos and video by the Rhinoceros Project. 

Cost Breakdown: 
Materials: 
Materials for Paper Pour 
Paper fiber (Abaca) | $220 
Paper fiber (cotton rag) | $100 
Wood for pouring mold  | $800 
Egg Crate support for pouring mold | $500 
Window Screen for pouring mold | $40 
Hardware for pouring mold | $30 
Formation Aid for pouring  | $90 
Buckets & scoops | $100 
Miscellaneous materials and tools | $500
Materials subtotal | $2380  
 |   |   |  
Labor:
Artist Honoraria | $5000 | (2500 x 2)
Carpentry for pouring mold | $1000 
Documentation of project - Videographer, Editing | $3000
Documentary, Interactive Website | $3000 
Labor subtotal | $11000 |  
 |   |   |  
Publicity:
Postcards, Posters & Printed matter | $1000  
Keepsakes and giveaways   | $500 
PR/Advertisements | $500  
Publicity subtotal | $2000  
 |   |   |  
Other 
Site Fees - Costs associated with Event/Pour Site  - Staffing, use of equipment | $1820
Travel | $300 Gas Mileage during production
Refreshments - Spice-trade inspired food & drink for guests & participants | $500 
Other subtotal | $1800 
 |   |   |  
TOTAL EXPENSES | $18,000