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!