As the European Artistic Craft Days begin across the islands – a week-long invite to visit artisans and their art spaces and chat about their creations, their inspiration and their methods – we talk to talented paper artist and designer extraordinaire James Dimech.
“I work exclusively with paper—chosen for its versatility, sculptural potential, and inherent elegance,” he explains. “It’s a humble yet powerful material that can be shaped into both bold and delicate forms without losing its poetic quality.”
James explores the transformative potential of this simple material in a personal and intuitive process using traditional tools. He combines traditional time-intensive paper techniques such as cutting and folding, with both an eye for contemporary aesthetics and a keen focus on structure and texture.
“Each piece starts with a sketch that considers both structure and movement. I then select a paper type suitable for the design and begin folding, cutting, and layering it into shape. The process is slow and methodical, often involving repeated elements like pleats or radiating cuts. The final form emerges as a balance between control and creative flow,” he explains.
“I primarily use a monochromatic palette—white and neutral tones—to highlight shadow, texture, and the sculptural quality of the paper itself.”
James’ exquisite handcrafted sculptural dresses, headpieces, and pieces of wearable art are both intricate, fashion-inspired creation and a celebration of craftsmanship with meticulously pleated and layered forms. Each embodies both fragility and strength, and beauty with avant-garde and audacious style.
“Through my extravagant creations inspired by the fantastical realm of Alice in Wonderland, I delve into the depths of creativity and imagination,” James smiles. “In addition to standard printing paper, I also incorporate innovative materials such as floral wrapping paper, Kraft-Tex, and cork paper to create garments that boldly challenge the boundaries of conventional fashion! These unconventional materials infuse the designs with whimsical charm and innovation, while also reflecting the eco-friendliness and versatility of paper as an artistic medium.”
During the EACD visitors are invited to Malta Crafts Foundation at Ta’Qali to see a curated display of James’ most striking paper creations, both wearable works and display objects that showcase the harmony between structural geometry and delicate detail.
The works on show include two of the eight pieces from James’ collection Dress Code – At The Madhatter, which was featured at the Biennale of Paper Art in Lucca, Italy and will be on show in Malta for the first time. With these, James goes beyond the mere showcasing of his papercraft – he also invites visitors to touch and experience a variety of innovative paper types. In addition, James will also be giving a live demonstration of how to craft a paper hat using pleated folding techniques.
“The EADC are a rare opportunity for me to slow down and show how much care goes into handmade work,” he adds. “I’m looking forward to connecting with a new audience, sharing my process, and celebrating craftsmanship alongside other makers. I hope visitors leave inspired and curious—seeing paper not just as a material, but as a medium for transformation and self-expression. I would like them to feel a sense of wonder at what can be made by hand and a deeper appreciation for the creative process behind this craft.”
