“When you arrive in the war zone, that uniform stands for destruction and chaos and death, and so to come back and take that symbol, that piece, to destroy it, to create something new out of it and make a positive thing from that uniform, it’s got that feeling that you’re moving on from that and stepping onto a new path.”
— Eli Wright, U.S. Army Veteran and Combat Paper artist
Each morning, my dad donned a stiffly creased, olive drab uniform. While other dads put on a coat and tie, my father adorned his chest with medals and embellished his lapels, shoulders, and hat with a series of gold braids, stars, and bars.
My dad’s uniform identified him as a member of the U.S. Marine Corps and the decorations on his jacket told other Marines his rank and his accomplishments. Suit and tie dads could choose to tell their stories or to hide them — my dad’s clothing told it for him, everywhere he went. Long after he retired to a world of coats and ties, the messages and memories encased in those uniforms hung in our closets.
Memories can be a mixed bag, of course. And the memories attached to the uniforms of soldiers, particularly combat soldiers, may range from the most tender to the most horrifying. A desire to take hold of those memories, to bring them out of the closet, and to turn them into an opportunity for creative expression and education is what the Combat Paper Project is all about.
Breaking Rank by Drew Cameron and Drew Matott
The group travels the country and the world, facilitating workshops that engage veterans in the transformative power of papermaking: cutting up uniforms and beating and forming them into paper, offering a medium through which vets can explore and reconcile their wartime experiences.
These workshops grew serendipitously from a meeting of U.S. Army veteran Drew Cameron and non-vet Drew Mattott.
Drew C.: “I left active duty after having served in Iraq and reenlisted in the National Guard in Vermont and started going to college. I’d known about paper and was looking for a creative outlet. There was a sign on the door of the community college with a picture of a vat with a mold and deckle, and I was like, “Hell, yeah! I’m there,” and paid my $10. This one workshop created amazing opportunities that I only understood much later. Drew Mattott was the teacher and I apprenticed under him for several years. When he left to get his MFA, he allowed me to run this artist’s collective and paper mill.”
The two Drews continued to talk frequently — while Drew M. was studying book arts in Chicago, he continued learning about the experiences of veterans. During one conversation, Drew C. shared the profound and cathartic experience he’d had of putting on his combat uniform and then literally cutting it off his body. Drew M. said this was “the aha moment.” They wanted to enable other vets to have this same transformative experience, and naturally turned to their art: papermaking.
Drew M. and Drew C.
On November 11, 2007, they led their first veteran papermaking workshop at St. Lawrence University in Canton, New York, and have since led 28 workshops, given more than 60 lectures, and had the work of Combat Paper Project participants in more than 30 group and solo exhibitions.
The Combat Paper Project partners with universities, veteran organizations, and art studios, enabling workshop participants to engage in papermaking and using the paper for writing, bookbinding, silk-screening, and printing. The Combat Paper Project regulars (Drew C., Drew M., and writer and U.S. Marine Corps vet Jon Michael Turner) are joined at the workshop sites by other Combat Paper Project facilitators, as well as those from the host institution. Facilitators are both veterans and non-veterans, and a goal of the Combat Paper Project is bringing the two groups together.
Drew M.: “Combat doesn’t only touch vets and war isn’t limited to Iraq and Afghanistan. When vets come home, the war comes home with them.”
Drew C.: “Vets feel like they come back and people don’t understand them and what they’ve been through. It’s very helpful that our facilitators are often a mix of vets and MFA students. This is an exercise in community, the community of vets and the community of those we live with, and of helping people understand what we’ve been through and bridging that gap. It’s a way to have a dialogue about the experience.”
The Combat Paper Project travels almost constantly to hosting institutions across the country and around the world. They recently did a two-month stint in the United Kingdom, working with former military combatants and family members of fallen soldiers. In 2011 they will be traveling to the Balkans and Sarajevo. They’re also creating workshops in collaboration with art therapists who work with trauma clients.
Healing by Robynn Murray
The Combat Paper Project works with veterans of all eras and finds that no matter the age of the participant or the war in which they were engaged, there is a universality of experience that is reflected in the veterans’ conversations and creative expressions.
Drew M.: “Everywhere we go, vets come forward and tell us they’re really touched by this and want to get involved. It’s really important that we’re not this ‘traveling road show’ that blasts through, so we help connect them with papermaking studios and facilities to continue the process. Ongoing groups in Santa Barbara, Cleveland, Ithaca, Minneapolis, Madison, and Colorado Springs are the biggest, but there are others. We don’t feel like this is something we own. We’re practicing this traditional 16th century technique and we want to share it so people can make it their own.”
You can find more Combat Paper artwork and information on the project through their website combatpaper.org and on Facebook. Art by Combat Paper Project participants are currently in three exhibitions: the Newark Public Library, La Guardia Community College, and the Gutman Library at Harvard University. More information on these exhibits here.
To learn more about the papermaking process, visit greendoorstudio.net.
84 comments
Sign in to add your owncutiepiecompany says:
Wow! How wonderful, thank you for this excellent article!
2 years ago
EvenAndy says:
Great article:) I would love to attend one of the papermaking workshops. Thanks for sharing:)
2 years ago
Krystyna81 says:
Very, very touching. I am just amazed by the strength of every individual who serves in the military...their ability to be away from friends and family, stepping into places where no one else is willing to go. Thank you for this wonderful article about an amazing project. Another great example of why we need to keep Art in every community, for every age.
2 years ago
kissadesign says:
What an interesting story. I had never heard of this before. Thank you for sharing this with us!
2 years ago
papercutworks says:
Touching pieces! I was just thinking about art therapy today & what positive impacts it may have on people... Great read.
2 years ago
undermyfeet says:
This is a very interesting project, thanks for bring it to the etsy community.
2 years ago
seragun says:
Great article! thanks
2 years ago
SewBabog says:
That was so interesting and very inspiring.
2 years ago
SewSimpleDesign says:
Drew C,thank you for serving our country overseas, and thank you to Drew C AND Drew M for continuing to serve our country and our verterans at home. This is a brilliant project and so powerful in the healing process! I can't wait to share this with friends!
2 years ago
LuRuUniques says:
amazing, thanks for sharing
2 years ago
paperpyro says:
Wonderful Idea! Ooh Rah!!
2 years ago
SpringColors says:
very touching
2 years ago
matouenpeluche says:
A real treat to read - many thanks!
2 years ago
lovelygifts says:
Great article!
2 years ago
bedbuggs says:
Wonderful Article, thanks for sharing!
2 years ago
polkadotmagpie says:
Gone but not forgotten. Great idea.
2 years ago
meoneil says:
Interesting and touching ideas here. "Touching History" is beautiful.
2 years ago
CashmereSkin says:
what a beautiful article
2 years ago
jayval says:
Great Article!
2 years ago
Dreamingcowcreations says:
Beautiful!!!!!!
2 years ago
AZCreativeStudio says:
Wonderful article!
2 years ago
Floreal says:
Great article.... www.twitter.com/florealdesigns www.facebook.com/florealdesigns
2 years ago
julessabjewelry says:
This is one of the most touching things I've ever read. My dad was a Vietnam vet and I watched his struggles all my life. I know he would have really benefitted from a program like this... Thank you so much to the "Drews" and keep sharing and growing this organization - it can only make our community stronger!
2 years ago
paperholiday says:
Thanks for the great article!
2 years ago
ForYouDesigns says:
Thank you for this article. My husband was in the Australian Army and spent time in Somalia. This time of year (around Anzac Day) is particularly difficult for him in remembering lost mates. I'm going to encourage him to look at the Combat Paper Project website - and maybe undertake some healing himself. Thank you, Tasha
2 years ago
ArtisticIntentions says:
This is great. Thanks for this article.
2 years ago
EJPcreations says:
So touching. Such a great article.
2 years ago
GoodGriefGlass says:
Beautiful.
2 years ago
FiredUpDD says:
Every time I talk with fellow Veterans, they always have stories to share. What an intriguing project. I'm going to send this link to several people. Art can be very healing.
2 years ago
artofjane says:
very nice article.
2 years ago
stubborndog says:
so glad to learn about this. thanks!
2 years ago
mazedasastoat says:
What a truly fabulous & inspirational project. A large percentage of my childhood friends were in the Falklands conflict (that shows my age!) & many of them came home very different people to when they left. This kind of therapeutic closure must be immensely healing for folks like them, as well as deeply moving for anyone else involved with it. I hope all vets get the chance to take part.
2 years ago
pasin says:
Great article
2 years ago
ClementinesJewelry says:
Great article!
2 years ago
aFrameofMind says:
i like the idea of "dealing" with the past and transforming it for the future.
2 years ago
SaintReagansHollow says:
Thank you for including us in a noble cause. As former military I am very grateful to see people trying to help veterans.
2 years ago
blueskyclouds says:
Absolutely brilliant. Amazing...I sent that website link to everyone I knew who would appreciate it......
2 years ago
minouette says:
What an incredible idea! Thanks for sharing this story.
2 years ago
SilverWishes says:
As a military wife, reading this brought tears to my eyes. Thank you for this piece. What an amazing project.
2 years ago
bayousalvage says:
one of the most creative blog posts ever on etsy. keep it up yall!
2 years ago
QuiltFinger says:
Beautiful post! Art is therapy.
2 years ago
shopgoodgrace says:
Incredibly moving article ... thanks for sharing the Combat Paper Project with us.
2 years ago
CindysCreativejewels says:
Thank you so much for sharing this article. The Combat Paper Project sounds like an excellant healing opportunity for many of our brave veterans and a great learning opportunity for the rest of us. Great job!
2 years ago
BambuEarth says:
What a great article and inspiring message. I love this. Thanks for sharing.
2 years ago
thenewblackmarket says:
this is great!
2 years ago
anab01 says:
Excellent site, keep up the good work. I read a lot of blogs on a daily basis and for the most part, people lack substance but, I just wanted to make a quick comment to say I’m glad I found your blog. Thanks ================== Fashion
2 years ago
HornCatCreations says:
thanks for sharing this with us!
2 years ago
mazuli83 says:
very touching, it gave me goosebumps.
2 years ago
prettylittlepearl says:
What a wonderful Idea! Thank you for sharing this with us!
2 years ago
naomievelyn says:
Love this!!! Thanks so much for sharing as a child of a Vietnam Veteran and Aunt to a fallen soldier I love this!
2 years ago
LittleWrenPottery says:
Beautiful work! Great to see art transforming peoples lives : )
2 years ago
vintagemaison says:
Excellent article - keep up the great work.
2 years ago
JeansVintageCloset says:
Still have my dads Navy uniform and photo is on my website guest book page, All the warm stories to grow up on and all the Navy terminology, Seems like only Yesterday he was telling us about his adventures
2 years ago
silverhand says:
Curator of a small gallery in Scotland and fortunate enough to have the combat paper project tour at the end of summer 2009, Drew came over and did the most amazing pulp paper workshop. The exhibition was amazing.
2 years ago
DoOver says:
Wonderful idea, great for healing and moving forward. I make teddy bears with the uniforms!
2 years ago
dustbincards says:
As the mother of a Marine who was in combat in Iraq, I find this a healing thing. Not just for those who participate, but for those who love the returning, but somehow different vets. I will recommend this to my son, maybe it will help ease the pain of lost friends and ugly memories.
2 years ago
Waterrose says:
oh my....what a wonderful story and so poignant.
2 years ago
PyxusPassionProject says:
What an amazing project!! Thanks so much for sharing!
2 years ago
SimpleSimonPrints says:
Amazing! Thank You
2 years ago
RoyalicingLV says:
That is awesome!What a great story, TFS.
2 years ago
kittyanydots says:
excellent story! what an awesome project!
1 year ago
LibertyImages says:
Thank you so much for sharing this with us. An amazing story about amazing people...I might pass this on to my cousin, a Marine vet. Thank you again.
1 year ago
tiffanymcfarland says:
This art truley holds a meaning - it should for everyone. Our amazing soldiers are so many times forgotten & stories like this are not shared enough...Thank you
1 year ago
AutumnJo says:
Drews ~ Thank you for giving back and helping all of the amazing soldiers across the world. Such a cool concept!
1 year ago
barrofsoap says:
what a wonderfully inspiring story. My father, prior to his passing, served 30 years in the Army. He would have appreciated this as well.
1 year ago
yoshibearstudio says:
Thank you to all the soldiers and veterans who fought on behalf of us all.. Thank you to the artists and people who commemorate their efforts through art. How inspiring and therapeutic : )
1 year ago
LizzieLuna says:
Thanks for the article... wonderful...
1 year ago
LadyLuLus says:
Aw this was such a great article! I enjoyed reading it very much
1 year ago
goingplaces2 says:
I love the use of "Art as a way to have a dialogue about the experience."
1 year ago
royalflushsheri says:
That is great!! It sounds like the phoenix is rising out of the ashes. Congratulations on making a positive out of a negative!
1 year ago
thehauntedstudio says:
Thank you to all the military members past and present.
1 year ago
aynart says:
very nice. art is the best medicine.
1 year ago
naiveglow says:
Wow, what a fascinating article. I agree with aynart, art is the best medicine!
1 year ago
Siobhan76 says:
Wonderful article- very touching. As a military member, I can relate! Thank you!
1 year ago
Siobhan76 says:
Wonderful article- very touching. As a military member, I can relate! Thank you!
1 year ago
lrobinson says:
words can't express the simplicity and the pure genius behind this idea. i work at an outpatient program of a substance abuse facility and am amazed at the number of vets that we see and the complexity of their emotions and the issues that they face. i will say this until i am blue in the face: ART HEALS.
1 year ago
TheHandOfFatima says:
i hope the same kinds of creativity can be an inspiration for the victims of war. it is very difficult to grasp creativity after trauma and invasion.
1 year ago
thelostlibrary says:
Simply a FANTASTIC idea. Enough said!
1 year ago
laughingfrogdesigns says:
Thank you for all that you do!
1 year ago
KatieMarieHorn says:
What an inspiring article. As the child of a Vet I am truly grateful for groups like this who reach out to our Vets especially in creative ways like this. Art has the power to communicate what cannot be said in words and has a healing power all its own. Great work!
1 year ago
SiskCustomLeather says:
I had previously heard of this project and am in favor of ANYTHING that helps vets deal with the trauma of war. My one oposing view is in the statment "that uniform stands for destruction and chaos and death, ... and make a positive thing from that uniform" There are many who wear the uniform and view it as a positive thing - a symbol of caring. I have been wearing that uniform for the last 20 + years - US Navy Hospital Corpsman. I'm not trying to say that that Eli's statment is wrong (he has a right to his viewpoint, having worn the uniform, I feel he is entitled to that moreso that others at times), Just offering another view of "that uniform". Also, I totally agree with lrobinson's statement that ART HEALS. In addition to trying to get my ETSY shop set up here, I facilitate leatherwork classes at the Warrior Family Service at Brook Army Medical Center in San Antonio. They have many programs that help the wounded and family members through expression in many different media. My classes both help the Wounded Warriors and their family members and are theraputic for me as well dealing with my PTSD issues.
1 year ago
lkmccray says:
SiskCustomLeather—you're so right about opposing viewpoints regarding uniforms. I worried about writing this piece because my own father's uniform is such an important symbol for him, and one that represents caring for his country and for others. I was afraid he'd take offense, but thankfully he was able to understand that if deconstructing it and turning it into art can help, that's a good and worthwhile thing to do. You sound like you're creating valuable opportunities for yourself and others. Keep up the good work, and thank you for your service.
1 year ago
BettysBeautyInBeads says:
Wonderful idea, thank you for all you do and making this known. My father is a vet of WWII, and he's shared many of his stories about what it was like. I'll always be proud of him (and others) for what he did, putting his life on hold to serve our country. They all deserve our love, respect, and we should do all we can to help them.
1 year ago
coolclimates says:
My family and I have been lucky enough to host these 2 delightful men several times. The workshops are great and it's always fun talking to them.
1 year ago