Carmen Sánchez Ledesma

The paper botanist

• Carmen collaborated with Josep Font for Delpozo’s Chelsea in Bloom in London, 2018
• She works mainly with paper, and combines it with natural fabrics
• Tiffanie Turner is one of her role models and one of her master teachers

Carmen Sanchez Ledesma defines her craft as “the creation of complexity through the experience of simplicity.” Her botanical paper works are inspired by the wild flowers of the Spanish fields and botanical illustrations like the prints of "La Expedición Botánica del Nuevo Reino de Granada" in the 18th century. Carmen's creations are volumetric constructs that infuse projects and spaces with nature’s beauty. “I thought that I was not creative, but technical and very methodical,” says Carmen, originally an archaeologist and sculpture restorer. She discovered the wonders of origami during an eight-month sabbatical in Japan around 1994. Years after, Carmen moved to Tudela del Duero, Valladolid, where she settled and created Níkua, her studio, in 2018. Today, as an artisan, she works with artists, window dressers and interior and fashion designers on projects, events and exhibitions.

Interview

©Anna Moskalkova

©Anna Moskalkova

How did your Japanese experience mark a turning point for you?

Before the millennium, Japanese culture was rather unknown in Spain. It was there that I learned to perceive the subtleties in ordinary living and explore my innate sensibility. Everything had a different taste, very delicate. I discovered the universe of paper, its variety and versatility.

Is there something most people are unaware of about your creative process?

I am somewhat restless and always need to hold something in my hand. I found myself folding little papers in Tokyo’s subway to ease my fidgety hands. I always carry a small paper notebook and a pen, to write and fold. I feel nude without them and they help express my first bursts of inspiration.

How do you relate your original profession and your craft today?

Archaeology and sculpture are absolutely present in my work today. I am continuously researching, collecting, recording, rescuing and restoring materials and tools. The representation of nature with paper and fabric is a sculpturing process, it requires an understanding of volume and proportion.

Do you think your craft is endangered?

It was customary to wear a floral accessory or to decorate with fabric or paper flowers in olden times. There were paper florist ateliers in Spain until the 1960s when most were forced to close due to industrialisation and changing fashion trends. Other uses have to be discovered and given new light for it to survive.

Carmen Sánchez Ledesma is a rising star: she began her career in 2018 and she started teaching in 2020

Works

©Nikua

©Nikua

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