Fenneke Wolters-Sinke

I specialise in contemporary artists' books and paper sculptures. These are all one-off pieces and can be organic, dynamic, quiet, powerful, informative, delicate, vibrant, conceptual, experimental or sculptural.Through printmaking, paperfolding, papercutting and bookbinding and inspiration from natural and geometrical patterns found while sea kayaking, mountaineering or travelling I investigate the versatility of paper.

Q&A

Artist Statement

Fenneke
is a visual artist and maker, specialising in contemporary artists’
books and paper sculptures. These are all one-off pieces and can be
organic, dynamic, quiet, powerful, informative, delicate, vibrant,
conceptual, experimental or sculptural.
Using
and combining various techniques such as printmaking, digital
processes, papercutting, paperfolding and bookbinding fills her with
excitement.

As
a keen sea kayaker and mountaineer, she gets her inspiration from the
textures, patterns, colours, tones and shapes in the great outdoors.
When out there in the elements, she feels a deep inner connection
with herself and the world around her. Fenneke’s interest in
architecture, design and construction also influences the way she
approaches a certain project. It will then be meticiously planned by
doing research, making sketches and prototypes. By using different
methods, processes and styles, she wants to show people what you can
do with such a simple yet effective material.

What craft do you work with?

Bookbinding (since 2017), printmaking (since 2013), papercutting and paperfolding (since 2019). I got into these crafts when I started a 3D Design course in 2017 and after having done painting and drawing for a couple of years. My favourite is combining a few techniques together into one project!

What inspires you to work with this craft?

I love the versatility of paper. After I did a course in 3D design and getting inspired by paper engineers and master bookbinders via Instagram I knew I wanted to explore this more. With this material, I constantly challenge my conceptual thinking. I’m also able to experiment with and combine various techniques.

How do you start your creative process?

I like to work towards a brief or with a prompt, either for an exhibition, competition or via the social media community I’m part of. I spend a lot of time working out the concept and visualising the end result. Then I start experimenting with this, make prototypes and adapt where necessary. I can get really absorbed in this process and can get really excited if something pans out well! The most difficult and frustrating part is when a concept is not going to work out and I have to change my plan or when I have to spend much more time in prototyping to make it work. But sometimes it ends up better than expected!

How would you best describe your workspace and what tools could you not do without?

I have a tiny studio at the back of my house which is very convenient. I’m working with and collecting a lot of materials so it’s actually getting to small now. I would also like to have more space to invite visitors and run open studios from it. Tools I couldn’t do without are my scalpel, bone folder, printmaking inks and technical pencil.

Are there new techniques you would like to try?

Paper weaving, other book structures and box designs

What have you learnt or the best advice you have received that you would like to share with fellow crafters?

“Creativity is inventing, experimenting, growing, taking risks, breaking rules, making mistakes and having fun” (Mary Lou Cook)My professional dream would be to have more of my artists’ books purchased publicly and do a residency in Scandinavia focussed on artists’ bookmaking.