My name is Steph Bezzano and I make handmade paper and unique and wonky handmade paper pots by hand in my small home studio in Leicestershire. 

Each sheet of paper is made from waste materials - bills and letters, because there is enough paper on planet earth already.

In 2018 I graduated from Loughborough University with First Class Honours in Fine Art, with my practice exploring  line, drawing and paper. Here began my love of papermaking, with my degree show work featuring a 10 metre line of handmade paper, a 3 metre hanging sheet and a 2 metre tall free-standing paper sculpture (!). 

Since graduating, I have been trying to navigate my way as an artist and relearn the skills I developed at University, just without the luxury of professional, technical equipment -  my papermaking relies on my trusty kitchen blender, sheets of MDF and a second hand press and weather permitting, is made on my driveway or in my garage.

Papermaking is incredibly physical and challenges my impatient nature every day, you really cannot rush it - quality papermaking takes time. As each sheet is produced by my two hands, the final sheets evidence elements of their making and each is different. Their weight is determined by how much pulp is used, while bubbles, lines and surface quality are determined by technique - the materiality of the paper is at the forefront of my making. I love that the tactile and weighty sheet that is passed from my hands to yours is unique and evidences a conversation between maker and material and each represents an individual moment in time - a tangible outcome of a physical experience. 

My handmade paper sheets and pots embody everything I love in paper form - consciously made objects that are bold in colour and form and designed to challenge the traditional notions of paper and I hope that you think they're as beautiful as I do!

Steph x