Art in Paper

Jean Ensell MA RCA is a professional printed textile designer, educator and emerging papier-mâché sculptor.

“Almost three years ago I made my first papier-mâché vessel, a simple bowl.  This led to a lot of experimentation with the medium in relation to form, decoration, paper qualities, finishing etc.  I now know the possibilities are bounded only by the imagination.  It is a low impact medium, requiring no specialist equipment, utilizing inexpensive materials, inc. up-cycled and recycled materials, it requires no technology, is a meditative making process and excellent way to get off the computer.  I needed to get off the computer.

My simple bowls turned into a range of vessels, vases, wall pockets and most recently into sculptures.  The sculptures I am making are interactive and dynamic.  I process my concerns and anxieties through my work with themes like: ‘Tipping Points’ and ‘The Butterfly effect’.  ‘Tipping Point’ themed sculptures are intended to be improbable and incorporate invisible magnetic forces and careful weighting to remain upright.  Though the concept comes from concerns, the outcomes often have joyful, circus-like, qualities and provoke a lot of discussion - sometimes amazement.
I could only make these sculptures from papier-mâché, because if they do tip over, they do not break; it is only paper, flour, and water, not ceramic or stone.

My most recent work is an installation piece entitled ‘Sounding the Alarm’, and references ‘the butterfly effect’. When set in motion sculptural elements move and twitch around the board and the chimes ring out.

Everything I make elicits multiple new ideas and throws up additional possibilities.  I am energized by the work and grateful to the supportive creative community around me for their constant encouragement.”