RAYA SADER, THE PAPER ARCHITECT

Mar. 14, 2017 · Joidart

Constructing a figure out of paper using just scissors, glue and the imagination is no easy feat. Turning it into a career is nothing short of heroic; the preserve of those blessed with a special gift (as well as great skill), such as Raya Sader. Having studied a degree in architecture, this young Venezuelan-Lebanese woman set off to travel the world before finally settling in Barcelona, where she uses paper to create her art. Every fold, every texture and every figure she designs is a tribute to the ephemeral delicacy of beautiful things. As faithful followers of everything she posts on Instagram, we decided we would like to find out more about her, her ideas and her paper creations, so we asked her if she would agree to an interview. (We were considering sending a paper aeroplane but were afraid it wouldn't make the grade...) And when she said yes, it put a big smile on our faces; as we're sure you too will have when you read this interview :) Patient. Persistent. Introverted.
I started working with paper a long time ago, while I was studying architecture in Venezuela. I often used paper in my artistic expression projects; it's a material I have always liked very much! I think my journey has really been more a return to my origins, to all the work I did at university. Along the way, in 2010, in the middle of the crisis, I started to make jewellery from paper but I got tired of it pretty quickly; it wasn't my thing. I'm not good at designing origami but I am good at creating paper sculpturesJ. I started by making personal projects and posting them on Instagram and, gradually, I made it my profession.
It's not really my alias... it's the name I used for my jewellery pieces but on Instagram it stuck. It's a tribute to a great friend. My work is heavily influenced by architecture, whenever I need inspiration I go to my books. I couldn't pick out a specific role model, there are many. What I see, in nature, the textures in it, I like to see the different layers of things and reinterpret them in paper. Every project is a world in itself. I think I approach each one in a different way but I think my way of working stays the same. I feel, I draw, I draw, I draw, I do trials, make models, and then I start. Recycling is quite an important factor for me; I'm careful about not wasting paper, I try to use acid-free paper and often use bits of paper that have been discarded.
To quote Michael Graves . I don't wear much jewellery, but, for me, the perfect piece would be light and simple and I always like touches of colour! Anything with a weight between 160 and 170 grams... that is the perfect thickness to cut and mould.
I like very geometric figures Cayo Sombrero! (Venezuela)
Just one? If so, then Kandinsky's Yellow-Red-Blue I really like the Garland necklace. I love the lines and the way it hangs!

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