It’s amazing what a piece of paper can become. It’s also amazing what can become a piece of paper.
The Combat Paper Project travels to campuses across the country, inviting veterans to share their stories while making paper from old military uniforms.
Drew Cameron, a U.S. Army Veteran, and Drew Matott, a paper artist, founded the Project.
Matott, who received his master’s in book and paper arts, met Cameron after he returned from Iraq.
The two met weekly at Matott’s studio, where he taught Cameron 16th century papermaking.
“Every Wednesday was time for Drew to tell stories,” Matott said. “We both talked about militarism in American culture and how militarism has been a part of our lives.”
Cameron began sharing stories and making paper with other veterans and friends.
Eventually, Matott suggested Cameron turn his old uniform into paper.
“Drew took the initiative, cut his uniform up and a few weeks later showed me his paper,” Matott said. “I was looking at ways we could strengthen the paper, and looking at its physical composition. Meanwhile, Drew [Cameron] was telling me about how there was a sense of relief for him. He said that the moment he started cutting up the uniform he felt more and more free.”
Matott said the conversation moved Cameron to tears, and the two decided to create a workshop where other veterans could have a similar experience.
After an extensive search for a willing university host, Matott and Cameron traveled to St. Lawrence University in Canton, N.Y.
“They gave us lodging, paid for everyone’s travel, and a small honorarium to come in and work with veterans,” Matott said.
Matott sent information about the workshop and testimonies from veterans who participated to several other universities. The positive response he received resulted in the Project’s first tour.
As they traveled, Matott said veterans would often ask to tour with the group to share their stories.
Matott said the Project organizes chapters at campuses they visit, ensuring veterans can continue to make paper and heal.
Matthew Lunn, anthropology senior, served in the Marine Corps and recently turned his uniform into paper.
Lunn said he was drawn to the idea of creating a work of art out of his memories. Though his uniform held deep meaning, it had been sitting in his closet unused.
“It still holds the value that it did before, but now it has a new value, too,” Lunn said. “I took something that I was going to throw away and made something with it.”
Studio artist and facilitator Margaret Mahan said the Project is preparing to go overseas to work with veterans of other countries.
“We’re going to Australia this summer,” Mahan said. “In the fall we’re going to the Balkans and Sarajevo.”
The Project will be in Free Speech Plaza through Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
 
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Contact Andrew Price at [email protected]