Cardboard epiphanies: the paper sculptures of James Lake

In this video, we meet James Lake, the British sculptor who turns cardboard into arresting, freestanding human figures, and learn of the personal setback that made him seek solace in creativity.

Diagnosed with bone cancer at age 17, Lake began working the material after his right leg was amputated. During rehabilitation he searched for a material that could be easily accessible from his bedroom.

“I wanted a medium that can be used to sculpt beyond traditional material, and without the need of an arts studio,” he has explained.

“Much of my work uses cardboard as a sculptural material, due to its immediacy, ease of availability, reasonable cost and low environmental impact.

“My intention is to produce sculptures that echo the detail and depth found within traditional sculpting materials at a time of great global economic and environmental upheaval.”

View the original video here.

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