Kate Colin

Paper artist

©Alaisdair Smith Photography

©Ruth Mitchell

©Dan Sim

Geometry and precision in paper

Kate is attracted to the patterns in geometry
She opened her own studio in Glasgow in 2013
Bauhaus, 20th century design and nature are inspirations

Kate Colin is fascinated by three dimensional geometric forms. Through a process of intricate hand scoring and paper folding she explores how light, colour and geometry interact, resulting in creative and innovative lampshades and wall art. She taught herself to paper fold after her father gave her a book on the subject, and she has never looked back. Support from the Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust allowed her to further her education by training with masters in the field and Kate is now hoping to branch out into the critically endangered craft of fan making.

Interview

©Alaisdair Smith Photography

©V&A Dundee and Garry Maclennan

How did you first discover paper folding?: My father was a mathematician and his hobby was making polyhedra models from card. I have always been interested in three dimensional geometric forms, precision and working with paper, so one day I decided to give it a go. My father gave me a book on the subject and soon after I began to create my own pieces.
Did you train with a master craftsman?: I am self-taught, but with the support of QEST I have had some bespoke training with experts in the field. I took a course with Peter Jackson, a world renowned paper artist, and have completed an internship with Ciment Pleating, the oldest and most established pleating factory in the UK.
What appeals to you most about paper folding?: It’s a clean, exact craft which requires attention to detail. As soon as I taught myself to fold and score paper I realised its infinite possibilities for design, form and shape. My first creation was a basic folded lampshade and I was delighted to see how the light, tone and colour transformed when illuminated.
Where do you find inspiration?: Natural and mathematical forms. I love the work of Max Brückner's collection of polyhedral models, and I’m inspired by Bauhaus and all kinds of 20th century design. I’m always on the lookout for new colour palettes and combinations and find inspiration all around me on a daily basis.

Kate Colin is a master artisan: she began her career in 2013 and she started teaching in 2014