Multifaceted Paper Artist Chantal Maiorano

The 2024 Lucca Biennale Cartasia in Italy has ended, but that doesn't mean it is too late to introduce another one of the resident artists whose work was recognized there. I first featured Joanathan Bessaci in August, and have him to thank for alerting me to Chantal Maiorano. I know you'll enjoy seeing the remarkable art she creates and getting to know her through reflective thoughts about choosing paper as her medium of choice.

Welcome, Chantal. I followed along on Instagram as you, Joanathan, and the other participants raced against the clock to build imaginative creations. Those thirty days seemed to be an exhilarating, but exhausting experience. Giano, the cardboard sculpture you constructed, is magnificent! You mentioned it is a tribute to Janus Bifrons, the ancient Roman deity symbolizing both the past and the future.

I also discovered that you are quite a versatile artist who is able to move from one paper art technique to another with ease... pop-up construction, bookbinding, paper sculpture, even paper flower making. Tell us about yourself.

"I like to think of myself as a Paper Explorer and a Visual Storyteller. I feel these titles perfectly capture my creative journey, driven by curiosity and a passion for pushing the boundaries of what paper and cardboard can express.

Italian by birth, my journey into the world of paper art has been shaped by diverse cultural experiences across Italy, the UK, Australia, Switzerland and Spain, where I currently reside.

As a self-taught creator without a traditional art background, I’ve never labelled myself an artist in the conventional sense. Instead, I’ve always seen myself as someone with countless stories to share, and paper has always been my go-to medium to tell them.

What truly excites me is the magic that happens when old meets new—blending traditional techniques with interactive elements. For me, art isn’t just about crafting something visually appealing; it’s about sparking connections with those who engage with my work. I aim to evoke a sense of wonder and surprise, much like a magician pulling a rabbit out of a hat. I genuinely believe that art can be a powerful tool for self-discovery and meaningful conversations, helping us connect with ourselves and each other on a deeper level.

Personal growth and transformation are recurrent themes in my work. Every piece I create aims to invite viewers to reflect on their own journeys and tap into their inner resources to navigate life’s ups and downs.

I’m particularly proud of Giano, a three-metre cardboard sculpture inspired by Janus Bifrons, the ancient Roman god of transitions and dualities. I brought Giano to life during my Artist Residency at Cartasia, an incredible international festival dedicated to all things paper and cardboard.

This sculpture interprets time as a flowing continuum, linking the past and future within the present. With dual quadrants representing the Past and Future—each featuring a central mirror—Giano explores human identity as a flow between what we have been and where we are going. Its intricate mechanisms reflect the complexity of thought and experience, reminding us of our responsibility in the continuity of time and how our interpretation of reality is based on both our past experiences and future aspirations.

Giano came to life with the indispensable support of my sister, fellow artist, and designer, Regina Miecchi at @studio.visionaria. Of all her contributions, the most remarkable was without doubt, giving Giano its unique color and thus enhancing the machine-like illusion that defines the piece.

Participating in the Cartasia Artist Residency has provided me with a sense of community—an invaluable treasure in a field that can feel isolating. My time there was transformative, pushing me beyond my comfort zone and granting me a sense of belonging within a supportive artistic community.

Giano is currently staying on display in the same place that hosted it for the Biennale (Palazzo Guinigi). It hasn't been confirmed for how long, but people can still view it although the Biennale has ended.

Another project that’s close to my heart is a calendar I co-created at Kombo, a Swiss-based studio. Inspired by the UN International Year of Artisanal Fisheries and Aquaculture, this series featured endangered marine species and aimed to raise awareness about the importance of small-scale fisheries in our culture and environment, conveying a message of preservation and our interconnectedness with the natural world.

Lately, I’ve also found joy in teaching pop-up book workshops, sharing my passion with aspiring creators. Currently, I’m diving into a personal project—a pop-up book exploring growth and transformation, illustrating that we all have the tools we need to navigate life’s challenges.

Through interactive sculptures, storytelling, and workshops, I aim to inspire wonder and help people discover their own creative potential.

Creativity is for everyone, and as a self-taught artist, I’m on a mission to show that anyone can explore and expand their world—one piece of paper at a time."