NATALIA MANCZAK paper florist

I always wanted to be an artist when I was at school in Poland, but I was never considered 'good' at art - I couldn't draw or paint.

- Photography Natalia Manczak Interview Catherine Coyle

Back then, I believed a 'real' artist had to be a painter or someone exceptionally talented in a specific medium. What I did do, though, was make paper flowers. I was surrounded by them, even if I never saw them as art.

Colourful paper flowers were once one of the most common decorative elements in rural Polish homes, and the art of paper flower-making was primarily practised by women. During long winter evenings, they would craft flowers from paper or crepe paper, typically bought from travelling salesmen. The flowers were then attached to thin twigs (floral wire is more commonly used nowadays). Stiffer paper would be used to create leaves. Nature served as the main inspiration, and stylised roses, chrysanthemums, poppies, daisies, cornflowers and forget-me-nots were the most popular types that were made. Various techniques evolved to give the petals texture - cutting, twisting, rolling and even 'sugar-coating' or 'swaddling' the paper. These handmade flowers were used to decorate rural homes all year round, but especially during religious holidays. They adorned walls, ceilings and home altars, and played a central role in processions and wreaths for All Saints' Day. Today, the craft is celebrated as an important part of Poland's cultural heritage.