We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Heather Peters a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Heather, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

I had been trying to learn how to make paper myself for many years, but had not found a path to learn this craft. Through happenstance I got an internship at a fine art studio, and on my first morning there the owner of the studio said, “Hey, do you want to make paper? Our papermaker just retired, and there is no one running the paper studio.” So I said yes, and spent the next three years working in that paper studio as much as I could before moving on to grad school.

I do wish I could have learned this craft earlier in my life. It brings me such great joy, and it is a material and technique that is the basis for my professional work now, and I think how rewarding it would have been had I discovered a path to learn earlier. I spent many years struggling to find myself artistically, and I sometimes envy the younger artists I meet today that are already skilled papermakers in their early 20’s.

Setting up my own studio has been my greatest obstacle and ongoing effort for these past 8 years or so. The specialized equipment needed for papermaking, bookbinding, and letterpress printing is expensive and hard to come by as much of it is not made any longer. There are still things I am on the lookout for, but I am finally in a place were I can do most of my work in my own studio.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I am a book and paper artist, and in my work I use handmade paper, book structures, fine press printing, handmade ink, and creative writing. I also create project-specific handmade paper for clients, often using unusual materials in unexpected ways, as well as fine bindings and editioned paper. There seem to be very few hand papermakers in Los Angeles, and even Southern California, and many of my clients would have to work with someone much further away to achieve their unique projects. Additionally, I have studied book history for many years and can bring a comprehensive and historical understanding to my clients’ projects. I love working in a collaborative way, building a concept and outcome that wouldn’t exist if not for our combined effort.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

My goal in all my work is to always strive for something that is both unique and of the highest quality. I see my work as part of a small but inspiring community, and always hope that my work is both pushing concepts further while maintaining historical awareness.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

I am always experimenting and using aspects of play in the studio, which makes going to work exciting everyday. Even on days were I feel uninspired or anxious, there are small projects that I have around that will draw me in and get me moving on something that might be more tedious or stressful.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://hapeters.com
• Instagram: @society_of_hermits

Image Credits

Scott Gillies, Heather Peters