cecilia levy creates sculptures of on a regular basis objects utilizing torn pages from classic books

cecilia levy creates paper sculptures out of old books

cecilia levy creates paper sculptures of common items using old book pages, wheat starch paste, and papier maché techniques. formerly a graphic designer and bookbinder, the sweden-based artist carves words and phrases from vintage books, and then reworks them into all sorts of familiar objects like teacups, flowers, and shoes. levy’s works which include both small sculptures and larger installations, carry visible traces from the passage of time, thus presenting a unique, nostalgic look.

all images courtesy of cecilia levy

preserving all traces from the passage of time

cecilia levy tears, cuts, or shreds the pages and merges them together again, using paste, molds, and papier maché techniques. ‘the work process is slow, quiet, and repetitive,’ she says. the thin pages that shape levy’s fragile sculptures are marked with blocks of texts which are then reworked into intricate patterns. the swedish artist mainly draws inspiration from common items found around her home, as well as from the prose itself. in some pieces, a single word nestles in the center of teacup, while in others arrays of words and phrases form both linear and wavy patterns onto pairs of mary janes and fringed boots.

levy chooses each piece of paper with care, meticulously preserving all visible traces from the passage of time. these include marks from previous owners, holes, wrinkles and dog ears, olden expressions and spelling.