Anja Madsen Pernot

Paper sculptor

©Yuta Arima

The emotional power of paper

Anja has a background in textile design
She defines her work as a perpetual work in progress
Her connection to nature is the essence of her inspiration

Anja Madsen Pernot has cultivated her fascination for paper since childhood. Born in Denmark, the paper cut-outs of author H. C. Andersen and the country's Easter paper traditions sparked her first inspirations. Since then, paper has always followed her. Even while studying textile design, Anja found ways to explore the intimate connection between fabric and paper. In constant evolution, her work confronts classical techniques with those borrowed from other disciplines, such as the photographic cyanotype process, to find ever new expressions. The sensitivity and fragility of Anja’s artworks stems from her wonder at nature: the calligraphic shadows of the trees at sunset, bird songs at night, reflections on water. “It is this poetry that leads me to creation,” she explains.

Interview

©Yuta Arima

©Yuta Arima

How did you actually start your activity as a paper artist?: After my studies in textile, I was working in Paris in a trend agency, where we were creating fabrics. I was putting my creativity to the use of others, and at a certain point I felt the enormous need to use my creativity for myself, through paper. To work only with this material that I had never left. I got into it, and I truly blossomed.
Do you master any particular techniques?: Paper cutting, sculpted paper, collage… but I would say that I am always ready to learn something new. My way of creating is in work in progress! I like to learn, it is essential. To me, being in this process is a philosophy.
What type of paper do you use and where do you find it?: In my latest works, my paper comes from the artisanal Moulin du Verger, which represents 400 years of paper tradition. I find using this paper emotionally charged. Other creations are made from recycled paper I have collected. I also work with Japanese paper. Whatever its source, paper never leaves me indifferent.
Can you share with us a memorable moment from your professional path?: When I have been able to move someone deeply. It is my aim to be able to touch people. I see it as a gift. It is in those moments I know I have something to tell. I truly believe that you are happy when you do something you are good at.

Anja Madsen Pernot is an expert artisan: she began her career in 2000