Steven R. Houts

Hand Paper Maker

Mixed Media Artist

Steven started experimenting with handmade paper in the early 90s. During this time he has developed a combination of plant fibers that suit his artistic needs. A 50-50 mix of Abaca (banana stalk) and industrial hemp, make just the right combination of strength and stretch. All colors and textures are made in the pulp vats – nothing is painted or added onto the paper. As a mixed media artist, Steven uses many different materials for his frames

(oak, pine and cedar), and for the interior frameworks he uses rattan and locally gathered dogwood and willow, combined with copper and brass sheeting. With handmade paper, Steven makes one-of-a-kind art panels, accent lighting, room screens and sculpture. The resulting art is sprayed with clear acrylic for long-lasting strength and protection.

Other than art classes through 16 years of schooling, Steven is a self-taught artist.

He has traveled in the orient and his work

has a definite zen influence. He has studied with John Babcock, one of the country’s

pre-eminent paper artists.