STATEMENT
Sabine Thornau
. . . always fascinated by the material paper, versatile, sensual, haptic, malleable!
Handmade paper, sometimes natural, sometimes coloured with pigments. . . ultra-thin and transparent, light or heavy. . .
I make my own paper for most of my objects, which allows me to influence the quality of the product, stability, grammage, surface and colour. I prefer cotton and linen, sometimes also Flax, Abaca and Kozo. Respectful treatment of nature is of great importance to my work.
Making paper is always an exciting and inspiring job, which makes me very satisfied. The process of preparation, production and drying is labor intensive - as soon as the first sheets are in front of me, this is forgotten and the enthusiasm for the results far outweighs.
To create, I use European tools and techniques, old and new sieves, partly sewn by hand, and unusual formats. In addition, I have a small Japanese frame, “Sugeta”, which I use occasionally.
I see my creative work as a symbiosis of craftsmanship and art. It is a great pleasure to work with traditional handicrafts from all regions of the world, to change them again and again and to adapt them to the present time! As a special challenge, I also use textile techniques for paper, a combination of old and new to create something unique. Natural dyeing methods, which have been handed down for centuries, I prefer to use for my paperwork.
The ideas for my work are often inspired by nature and my surroundings.
I like to develop large-format installations that enter into a dialogue with the space. Free-floating objects, consisting of many small elements, joined together to form a large whole, reflect the lightness of the material paper.
Growing up with textile materials in the creative environment of a tailor’s workshop, I developed a love for colours and shapes as a child.
Training to become a stained glass painter.
Studied colour design in Salzburg (IACC).
Foundation of a studio for paper art and objects; cooperation with artists and authors, binding for artists' books.
Seminars and workshops in Europe, teaching assignments in France and Finland
Since 2002 Member of IAPMA
Exhibitions in D / L / A / CH / F / DK / FIN / HU / SK
Instagram: sabinethornau
Mail: kontakt@sabinethornau.eu
