Momigami

To complement my collage-based approach to drawing and painting—and to deepen my interest in paper-based processes that reuse and transform materials—I’ve recently been exploring the Japanese technique of Momigami, or kneaded paper.

Using waste paper from the studio, I begin by painting and texturing the surface, allowing each sheet to carry traces of its previous life. A starch paste is then worked into the paper, strengthening its fibres and making it durable enough for collage. Through this process, the paper becomes something entirely new: supple yet resilient, with a buttery softness that invites handling. It lends itself beautifully to stitching, opening up further possibilities for mark-making and construction.