Anouk Vigneau, the visionary behind Kauri Paper Studio, transforms humble sheets of paper into vivid sculptural forms and visual poetry. A graduate of the École Supérieure des Arts de Saint-Luc in Tournai, Belgium, she founded Kauri Paper Studio in 2019. Initially based in Normandy before returning to her native northern France near Lille. Her studio is more than a workspace — it’s a laboratory for boundless experimentation with paper as both medium and muse.
From sketch to sculpture
Vigneau’s creative process is intuitive, playful, and rooted in exploration. While she sometimes begins with traditional sketches or client briefs, many of her projects evolve from a spark of inspiration — be it a compelling color palette, an emotive photograph, or a fleeting concept. She describes embracing failure as part of the journey: “I’ve learned to accept mistakes as part of the process”, Vigneau says.
This iterative approach gives her the freedom to cut, bend, fold, layer, and collage without fear—allowing adjustments at any stage rather than starting over. It’s this flexibility that gives her work such organic energy and precision.
Crafting three-dimensional worlds with two-dimensional means
At Kauri Paper Studio, a single sheet of paper is an invitation to imagine, wonder, and create. Vigneau weaves together techniques like cutting, superimposing, folding, tearing, binding, and even printing, all executed by hand with meticulous care. The results are sculptural objects that range from delicate flowers and curious insects to immersive installations.
Vigneau weaves together techniques like cutting, superimposing, folding, tearing, binding, and even printing, all executed by hand with meticulous care.
In the exhibition titled “Un océan de papier”, she recreated marine life, from corals to a striking turtle named “Simone”. All in vivid paper form. Her work invites viewers to experience the wonder of the ocean through layers of texture and light.
Bringing nature to life, one paper cut at a time
What defines Vigneaus’s creative signature is her attention to detail. In crafting pieces such as her “Récif de Papier” (Paper Reef in eng.), she begins by delving into her subject. She studies the shapes, movements, and nuances of flora or fauna, and replicates those qualities in paper with astonishing realism. Each curve, crease, and fold is intentionally chosen to evoke emotional resonance with the viewer.
This level of specificity lends her work curator-worthy depth, whether framed under glass like a cabinet of curiosities or expanded into dramatic installations, such as floral walls or oversized decorative motifs that reshape environments.
Make sure to follow the artist on Instagram for further inspiration, or why not buy an original piece for yourself!
Images © Anouk Vigneau