Paper has a poor reputation as flimsy, failing on various material fronts including general durability and appearance, not to mention its vulnerability when wet – making these furnishings look at first implausible, then ingenious. Artist Debbie Wijskamp transforms recycled paper pulp into gorgeous objects for the home, all with an interesting textural quality.

There is a silver (or at least light-gray) lining to the soft and flexible properties of this material – it can be dissolved and reconstituted into elongated shapes that can be cut just like wooden boards or molded into three-dimensionally round forms to create faux ceramics.

While they may still be waterproof – and thus not ideal for liquor cabinets or living room tables – these stable paper-based creations by Wijskamp show strange potential. They utilize pulp in the same way we normally employ ceramic, concrete, wood or stone – rounded dishware set on plank-like paper shelves, with supporting legs, blocks, joints and all.

Rough to the touch, the dimpled surfaces cast variegated shadows much like other natural materials used to make homemade craft objects – the result is an almost concrete- or stone-like look, aged or even ancient in appearance, with mortar-esque joints between individual paper-pulp building blocks.

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The shade and color of each piece is impacted by the amount and tone of the inks in the reused paper composite from which it was created, making various batches unique even when the shape may be the same.

More from the artist

“In the year 2009 Debbie Wijskamp developed her own buildingmaterial from recycled paper, which she uses to create a collection of cupboards, vases and other table objects. Since 2012 the Paperpulp vases are part of the Serax Maison D’Etre collection.”

About Debbie Wijskamp

“Since 2009 Debbie Wijskamp designs and produces her own collection of handmade interior products and other objects, and Debbie collaborates with and designs for companies and brands. In 2016 she opened her new atelier space, gallery and shop in Fashion & Design District ‘Het Modekwartier‘ in Arnhem, Netherlands. She runs courses and workshops from her atelier, and gives guest lectures at art universities.”

The post Recycled Pots, Dishes and Vessels Made of Paper Pulp first appeared on Dornob.