Clare Celeste Börsch

Paper artist

Defending the Amazon through paper art

Clare Celeste makes paper art installations representing tropical flora and fauna
Her works are inspired by science and environmental advocacy, such as Brazil’s ecosystems and the Amazon
Making collages has been a passion of hers since childhood

A cornerstone of Clare Celeste Börsch’s artistic practice is her background in public policy, environmental policy and public art. When applying to graduate school, she envisioned a Venn diagram of her ideal profession, and found that art, science and advocacy converged at the intersection. Years later, Clare Celeste has fully realised this vision. Her work goes beyond aesthetics, functioning as a tool for communication and public engagement, addressing critical issues such as ecosystems and biodiversity through paper art. Mentorship has been essential to Clare Celeste’s artistic growth. "I was fortunate to be guided by a renowned paper artist in my formative years, to help me refine my technique and navigate the complexities of the medium," she explains.

Interview

Do you recall when you first connected to this craft?: I vividly remember receiving a beautifully bound book from my father in Florence. Over the years, I filled it with collages, transforming it into a cherished visual diary. That book planted the seed for my lifelong love of collage and paper art.
Does your craft have local roots?: Absolutely. My work is deeply shaped by the ecosystems I have lived in, especially Brazil. Experiencing both the breath-taking beauty and the heartbreaking destruction of the Amazon left an indelible mark on me. My art is a tribute to the natural world, advocating for endangered places that need our care and attention.
How do you balance tradition and innovation in your work?: I am deeply intrigued by the interplay between traditional craft and modern technology. Recently, I collaborated with a motion designer and a dancer, exploring how analogue and digital elements can merge in new and unexpected ways. This blending of old and new excites me – paper collage with digital animation, tactile installations with interactive components.
What is a little-known story behind your work?: During one of my early immersive installations, I found myself crawling inside my own artwork, surrounded by layers of paper flora and fauna. At that moment, I realised I had unintentionally recreated the sensation of stepping into a tree, a childhood experience that had always filled me with wonder. This reaffirmed my passion for sharing my awe and connection towards nature with others.

Clare Celeste Börsch is an expert artisan: she began her career in 2014