Lauren Collin

Paper sculptor

©Michaël Boudot

©Frédéric Baron-Morin

©Lauren Collin

©Frédéric Baron-Morin

The elegance of paper

Lauren developed her own paper sculpting technique
She wants her work to spark emotion
Besides paper, she also sculpts leather

With the greatest delicacy, Lauren Collin sculpts paper with a scalpel. The French craftswoman creates unique paper bas-reliefs using her very own technique. Lauren was originally an interior architect; she graduated from ESAG Penninghen in Paris in 2011. As she entered professional life, working for an agency, she found herself with free time in the evenings and decided she wanted to create with her hands. And this is how she slowly developed her graceful technique, using scalpels initially borrowed from her father, a stomatologist. Lauren finely carves watercolour paper of different thicknesses and textures. Gradually, small petals emerge from the surface, creating a dialogue with light.

Interview

©Frédéric Baron-Morin

©Michaël Boudot

Why did you choose this craft?: I actually created my craft, nourished by my personal experience. I did not imagine becoming an artisan, I followed my instincts and they led me to where I was meant to be. My studies have brought me a lot and still serve me; even if I am no longer an interior architect, I create mainly for them.
How is your craft linked to your homeland?: It is linked through the history of paper in France over the centuries, and through the very essence of paper, its French 'ingredients'. The paper I use is 100 percent French, made from river water and cotton, linen and hemp rags. There are very few paper mills left in France, unfortunately.
What's the most memorable moment of your career so far?: The first time I cut into a sheet of paper, just after my graduation. My father had given me several scalpels that he used in his career as a stomatologist. I bought watercolour paper in 640g satin grain and I let my imagination guide my hand.
What inspires you?: Nature is an inexhaustible source of inspiration, from where I draw ideas for shapes, textures and movements. The play of light and transparency, and all those moments you cannot capture but only admire... It constantly nourishes my desire to try to capture those sensations.

Lauren Collin is an expert artisan: she began her career in 2011