Annamaria Leiste & Raphael Grotthuss

Papierwerk Glockenbach

Papermaker

©Stef Zins

Space for exploration

Annamaria and Raphael handmake paper and paper objects
They use a technique which sprays paper with compressed air
They share their knowledge in workshops

Founded in 2016, Papierwerk Glockenbach is the result of its founders long-lasting love affair with the material paper, that started from a completely different point for each of them. Annamaria Leiste was searching for a material that could convey the three dimensional expression of fish scales for a project during her studies at the Academy of Fine Arts in Munich. She found the solution in the flax fibre and from then on continued her journey into the world of paper. Raphael Grotthuss found his way to working with paper through its acoustic properties “I was searching for the appropriate material for a sound installation, where a "certain crackling" should fill the room, I ended up with paper”. From then on he went deeper and deeper into the paper world's possibilities. In their Munich backyard workshop together they create exquisite paper and paper objects by hand.

Interview

©Stef Zins

©Stef Zins

What do you like about working with paper?: RG: The versatility in application, the relatively simple production, the wide range of basic substances from which paper can be made, especially the individual properties of certain fibres.
How do you combine innovation and tradition?: RG: We work in both worlds. We utilise traditional techniques such as producing paper with the scoop frame, or cast into large formats with a specially developed casting table. But we also incorporate and develop rather innovative techniques like spraying paper with compressed air.
What are your sources of inspiration?: AL: Inspiration comes from daily experiences, encounters and new challenges, such as the encounter between imagination and reality. My approach to working with paper is rather intuitive so that I find many things by trial and error. It is an ongoing exploration.
Does the manual work with paper have a future?: AL: Working with paper has a future as an open space for experimentation, where we can encounter the properties of natural materials in a variety of ways. Handmade paper can make a contribution to resource awareness and the appreciation of manual work.

Annamaria Leiste & Raphael Grotthuss are expert artisans: they began their career in 2013 and they started teaching in 2020