Pilar Rodríguez Rivas

Papeles para Sentir

Papermaker

Paper and its sense of belonging

Pilar creates paper art using recycled paper
She finds the relationship between paper and land both deep and enriching
Her pieces are made with techniques borrowed from different practices

Pilar Rodríguez Rivas fell in love with paper after attending a two-hour recycled paper making workshop. “Transforming waste into something beautiful, functional and artistic fascinated me,” she says. From then on, Pilar learned paper making techniques and treatments, along with textile crafts that she integrates into her works today. “Each community or region has its own natural fibres, traditional techniques and forms of expression passed down through generations. Paper carries the identity, history and culture of its origins,” Pilar says. Her practice is rooted in patience, creativity and dedication, and it allows her to express both her vision and passion for nature in every project.

Interview

Does your practice preserve ancestral techniques?: The process of gathering and preparing fibres is often linked to practices that respect the natural environment, which strengthens the connection with the land. This craft not only preserves ancestral techniques, but also promotes a sense of belonging and pride in the territory.
In what ways does paper promote local culture?: One can tell the story of a place, its landscapes, people and traditions through handmade paper. The craft reinforces cultural identity while promoting tourism and the local economy. Paper is deeply connected to the land – it is an artistic and cultural expression that is born from, grows within and is nourished by the natural and social environment in which it is developed.
What do you seek when working on a piece?: I aim to innovate. I want to give handmade paper new forms of expression by introducing artistic techniques and elements from other crafts. This allows me to create pieces that both respect tradition and offer a contemporary touch with eco-friendly materials.
What is little known about what you do?: The process of creating handmade paper is highly labour-intensive, from selecting plants and extracting fibres to forming sheets and applying finishings. Every piece requires patience and precision to ensure both quality and beauty in the outcome.

Pilar Rodríguez Rivas is a master artisan: she began her career in 2000 and she started teaching in 2000