Artichoke Box -- paper assembly by Nan Goss. Artwork is 20 inches tall, 12 inches wide, and 4 inches deep and can be viewed from both front and back. Hand assembled one-of-a-kind piece made of handmade paper with leaf inclusions, foamcore, imitation pearl pins, metal wire, and a dried artichoke flower. 

Born in Chicago, Nan Goss earned her BA at Salisbury State University in Maryland and continued her studies at the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma and the University of Washington in Seattle. Her unique assemblages of hand made paper, dried leaves, cooper sheeting, wire, beads, and glass rods create works of stunning beauty -- simple, yet complex; earthy, yet ethereal.

From two-dimensional wall hangings to hand made paper and leaf screens to three-dimensional boxes incorporating often hard to recognize natural objects, Nan's work is unique, innovative, and palliative.

Artist's Statement

Mixed media allows me the opportunity to explore affinities between paper and cloth. Through the process of reconstructing these materials, I incorporate traditional and non-traditional elements, giving textures and color a tangible location.

The assemblages are pieced together and embellished with various elements such as copper wire, gilded surfaces, glass and trade beads, and natural and industrial objects.  The process of hand and machine stitching create additional surface changes to the pieces.  The freshness of my work comes from the freedom to work without theory.