Confessions of a Paper Architect

A few weeks ago, a friend of mine presented me with an artistic challenge: “Why don’t you explore architectural styles and reinterpret them in your art journal?” That was all I needed to ignite my imagination.

I have always loved conceptual art—just give me an intriguing prompt, and I am off on an adventure

in my creative universe.

The first step was research—learning about various architectural styles and their key visual elements.

I revisited the delicate and ethereal features of Gothic cathedrals and paintings, the swirling ironwork and floral forms of Art Nouveau, the dramatic opulence and ornamentation of the Baroque era, the playful rebellion of Postmodernism, and the clean lines and calm elegance of Mid-Century Modern design.

I didn’t want just to copy these styles; I wanted to capture their true essence in a mixed-media story.

Next came the treasure hunt. I flipped through stacks of magazines, hunting for special details.

It’s amazing how your perspective shifts once you embark on a mission; your eyes start to see architecture everywhere.

I decided that each collage would feature a central figure—an image that, in my mind, encapsulated the key visual elements of a particular architectural style. This character would inhabit the imagined space and represent that style. Once I began assembling the collages, I found it hard to stop. The process was both playful and meditative, obsessive and joyful.

The result is a series of five collages, each a tribute to a different style.

You can find the images in my blog, and if you’d like to see them come to life, I’ve also uploaded

behind-the-scenes videos on my Instagram, where you can witness the creative process.

Visit my Instagram to see the reels at @follhelena.

So here they are—five eras, five visual stories, all crafted with glue, paints, and magazine clippings.

And if you ever find yourself in need of inspiration, try giving yourself a quirky challenge; you never know what might emerge.

And finally, a big shoutout to my wonderful friend Jane, who planted the seed for this paper adventure. Thank you for the challenge, the inspiration, and the joyful descent into architectural daydreams!

What We Keep And Why

My antique fan collection

The other day, I found myself in this cozy little library that was absolutely buzzing with joy. A group of collectors had gathered, proudly showing off their treasures: stamps, postcards, badges—you name it! These tiny slices of history were carefully preserved in albums and boxes, and watching these passionate individuals share their stories was a real delight. It felt like stepping into a time warp where everything still had value and meaning.

I often think about why people collect objects. There is something almost rebellious about it in today’s world. We are told to declutter, let go, embrace minimalism, and throw everything away. We live in a throwaway culture, where objects don’t last and are easily replaced. Yet here we are, some of us still lovingly sorting through our collections, dusting shelves, and flipping through album pages. Isn’t that a bit wonderful?

As for me, I collect fans—not the kind that follow my work on Instagram, but delicate, hand-painted ones. Some are centuries old. Each fan in my collection has a story to tell, a little echo of the past that connects me to history and to people I will never meet. When I look at my fans, I wonder about their stories. "Did someone cry behind this one? Did someone laugh or meet their soulmate while holding it?"

We live in a world that moves fast and forgets easily. But collectors? We remember. We honor the old, the odd, and the beautifully unnecessary. Whether it is a fan, a stamp, or a postcard, we say, “You matter. I’m keeping you.” Maybe that’s why collecting feels so uplifting.

So next time you see someone lovingly holding a rusted tin toy or an old postcard, smile. They are not hoarding—they are dreamers. And if you ever want to talk about antique fans, you know where to find me. Oh, and to celebrate my fan collection, I created a painting inspired by it. Please take a look.

Folded Dreams

The Moon Made Me Do It

Enchanted Pines

Most people love the warmth of sunlight, and, of course, I do too. But there is also something magical about the soft, mysterious glow of moonlight. It has a cool, silvery sheen that turns our world into a place filled with whispers and hidden wonders. I enjoy going for walks during a full moon when the trees cast ghostly shadows, and even the most ordinary landscapes take on a dreamlike quality.

I don’t know about you, but I struggle to get a good night's sleep on full moon nights. I feel a restless energy, as if I am tapping into some ancient rhythm that has been forgotten over time. Maybe it’s just my imagination running wild, but many cultures have believed for ages that the moon holds a special influence over our bodies and minds.

Beyond our personal experiences, the moon plays a significant role in the natural world. Take, for example, biodynamic farming, a fascinating practice where farmers consider the lunar cycle when planting and harvesting. They believe that the moon’s gravitational pull can influence the water content in soil, helping plants to thrive.

Speaking of the moon’s gravitational pull, we all know that it's the main force behind ocean tides. Interestingly, the moon also influences the rhythms of some marine species, such as coral, which synchronize their spawning with the lunar cycle, ensuring that millions of tiny eggs are released into the sea at just the right time.

For our ancient ancestors, the moon was a natural clock long before we had mechanical ones. Early cultures used the phases of the moon to track time, and some traditional lunar calendars, like the Chinese lunar calendar, still reflect this connection today.

Plus, the moon holds a special spot in the story of human exploration. It is the only celestial body, besides the Earth, where humans have ever set foot.

To celebrate my fascination with the moon, I have created some moon-inspired paintings that capture the quiet magic of the moonlit moments. If you would like to see some of my lunar-inspired art, feel free to visit my website!

So, next time when you notice the full moon, take a moment to look around. Check how the light alters the world around you, how the shadows dance, and maybe, you may even feel the whisper of ancient wonder.