Foundations Workshop
The Groundwork of Paper Forms
From Pulp to Form – Foundations in Paper Form-Making
At Your Own Pace Program
Introduction
Foundations is Paper Lab Berlin's introduction to contemporary paper form-making. Built upon more than three decades of artistic practice, material research, teaching, and self-experimentation, the workshop explores how paper can move beyond the traditional sheet and become a material of structure, texture, relief, memory, and form.
At the heart of the workshop lies a simple principle: every paper form begins with a support layer. Through the relationship between fibers, support layers, and casting methods, participants learn how paper can record surfaces, preserve detail, generate form, and produce both unique works and systems of replication.
The workshop is built around four interconnected fields of research: Fibers & Pulps, Support Layers, Paper Casting & Form-Making, and The Alchemy of Paper Additives. Together, these fields provide a comprehensive foundation for working with paper as a sculptural, experimental, and research-based material.
Foundations is available both as a live online workshop and as an At Your Own Pace program. Through demonstrations, discussions, eBooks, recordings, and ongoing support, participants develop the knowledge and confidence to continue their own investigations into paper form-making long after the workshop has concluded.
Whether you are completely new to paper or looking to expand an existing practice, Foundations offers an entry point into the research-based methodology that has shaped Paper Lab Berlin for more than three decades.
At your own pace program
Not everyone learns in the same way, and not everyone can commit to fixed workshop dates.
The At Your Own Pace format was created for participants who prefer flexibility, independent study, and the freedom to learn according to their own schedule.
Built around the complete Foundations workshop program, this format provides access to all four workshop sessions, accompanying ebooks, presentations, demonstrations, articles, and supporting resources. Participants can move through the material at their own rhythm, revisit sessions whenever needed, and dedicate time to experimentation between volumes.
While the format is self-paced, participants remain connected to the wider Paper Lab Berlin community. Ongoing access to Paper Talk Pro allows participants to continue asking questions, receive technical guidance, share progress, and deepen their understanding long after beginning the workshop.
The At Your Own Pace format also includes the opportunity to join one future live Foundations workshop within six months at no additional cost, subject to available places. This allows participants to first study independently and later experience the workshop within a live group setting if they wish.
Foundations is suitable for artists, designers, educators, makers, students, and anyone interested in exploring paper as a sculptural and form-making medium. No previous experience in paper making is required.
Whether you are balancing a busy schedule, working across different time zones, or simply prefer to learn independently, the At Your Own Pace format offers a flexible way to engage with the complete Foundations program while remaining connected to the Paper Lab Berlin community.
Workshop at a Glance
The At Your Own Pace format allows you to engage with the complete Foundations program according to your own schedule and rhythm. Combining independent study, dedicated learning resources, ongoing support, and future live participation opportunities, it offers a flexible pathway into contemporary paper form-making without the constraints of fixed workshop dates.
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Study independently now and join one future live Foundations workshop within six months at no additional cost.
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All live sessions are recorded, and participants receive access to the recordings along with the workshop materials. Files, demonstrations, presentations, articles, and supporting resources are provided for personal use and ongoing study.
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Presentations, demonstrations, articles, and workshop materials remain yours
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Access to Paper Talk Pro and Paper Lab Berlin support sessions
https://www.paperlab.info/paper-talk
Learning does not end when the workshop concludes. Participants are invited to continue their research through Paper Talk Pro and Paper Lab Berlin's ongoing support sessions, where questions, experiments, projects, and technical challenges can be discussed within a supportive research environment.
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We understand that experimentation often continues long after a workshop ends. For this reason, every participant may join the Foundations workshop a second time, either live or through the At Your Own Pace program, at no additional cost within six months of their initial participation.
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The live workshop takes place across four online sessions, each lasting 120 minutes, and is offered in two time-zone formats. The Pacific group is scheduled in the morning Berlin time zone and is particularly suitable for participants joining from Asia, Australia, New Zealand, the Pacific region, and the western Americas. The Atlantic group is scheduled later in the day and is designed for participants joining from Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and the eastern Americas.
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Foundations is designed for artists, designers, educators, makers, researchers, and curious individuals interested in exploring the possibilities of paper beyond the traditional sheet.
No prior experience in paper making is required. The workshop begins with fundamental principles and gradually introduces more advanced concepts, making it accessible to both beginners and experienced practitioners.
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Our Zoom platform supports live subtitles and translation tools to help participants follow the workshop in their preferred language.
Participants who would like to use these features are encouraged to request them before registering so that we can prepare and provide the best possible learning experience.
Explore Foundations in Depth
Built upon more than three decades of artistic practice, material research, teaching, and self-experimentation, Foundations extends far beyond a traditional workshop.
Discover the ideas, methodologies, and areas of study that shape the Paper Lab Berlin approach, from the relationship between fiber, support layer, and form to the broader fields of contemporary paper form-making.
Paper Talk
Introduction to Paper Lab Berlin
Paper Talk is a free monthly online gathering held at the beginning of each month and designed for anyone wishing to learn more about Paper Lab Berlin, our philosophy, workshops, and approach to paper-based practice.
Whether you are considering joining Foundations, exploring one of our advanced programs, or simply curious about our work, Paper Talk offers an opportunity to meet Guy Lougashi, ask questions, and gain a deeper understanding of how Paper Lab Berlin approaches research, experimentation, and contemporary paper form-making.
The session includes an introduction to our workshops, teaching philosophy, current programs, and time for open discussion and questions. It is an ideal first step for those who would like to engage with the community before joining a workshop.
Participation is free, but registration is required.
Join us
Foundations Workshop
The Groundwork of Paper Forms
From Pulp to Form – Foundations in Paper Form-Making
Live Online / At Your Own Pace Program
Registration & Next Steps
To join the Foundations At Your Own Pace program—or simply to ask questions and learn more about the format—please complete the inquiry form below.
We encourage you to use the form not only for registration requests, but also for any questions you may have about the program, its structure, learning resources, support options, materials, or suitability for your practice. We are always happy to help you determine whether Foundations is the right fit for you.
Within 24–48 hours of receiving your inquiry, we will send you a detailed information package that includes:
• Program information and structure
• Participant guidelines and policies
• Equipment and materials list
• Registration form
• Payment instructions
Program Fee: €180
We believe that participants should have a clear understanding of the program before making a commitment. For this reason, receiving the information package does not obligate you to register. After reviewing the program details, requirements, learning resources, and guidelines, you may decide whether you would like to proceed with registration and payment.
If you do not receive a reply within 48 hours, please check your spam or junk folder and consider adding our email address to your contacts. In some cases, we may also send a brief WhatsApp message to ensure that our communication reaches you successfully.
We look forward to hearing from you and to welcoming you to Foundations.
Get in Touch
Whether you're ready to join Foundations or simply have questions about the workshop, we would be happy to hear from you.
Tell us a little about yourself, your interests, and what brings you to Paper Lab Berlin. We will personally review your inquiry and get back to you within 24–48 hours with further information and next steps.
At you own pace program