Paper Luminaries with Helmut
Step into the luminous world of Helmut, a master papermaker known for his innovative sculptures. Learn to create translucent paper from plant fibers, shape delicate sculptures, experiment with optical fibers, and see how light brings these creations to life as glowing, floating works of art. Beyond the studio, find inspiration in the stunning UNESCO Global Geopark Vulkaneifel, with its volcanic crater lakes, dense forests, and open meadows.
- Snacks, Coffee, & Tea
Pricing
- One Guest
- USD $1855
- Additional guest(s) (max 4)
- USD $720
Meet the Artist
Helmut is a master papermaker renowned for his innovative light sculptures, with over 40 years of experience. A native of southern Germany, Helmut has wandered through creative chaos in unique places before settling in a historic 19th-century farmhouse on a UNESCO site in the country’s volcanic landscape.
Drawing on Eastern and Western papermaking traditions, he crafts translucent sheets up to 2.5 meters wide using vacuum tables, pressure methods, and handcrafted tools. He integrates delicate structural frameworks into whisper-thin paper made from flax and hemp, shaping intricate organic cloud-like forms.
His distinctive artistic approach embraces sustainability—avoiding synthetic additives and harmful chemicals while relying on filtered rainwater and renewable energy. A unique characteristic of his material is the natural shrinking of his paper as it dries, which Helmut uses to create tension and form in his sculptures.
Helmut’s sculptures come alive with optical fibers and miniature LED light sources, transmitting secret messages and changing the mood and meaning of each piece. In recent years, he has introduced light graphs—white or colored—into his work. “It is fun to switch on the light; the graphs shine. You switch off; the graphs disappear, and the sculpture remains.” This playful interaction creates a compelling visual experience.
He welcomes curious minds into his studio, sharing papermaking as a meditative craft and a gateway to the quiet magic of light within the tranquil surroundings of his historic home.
Drawing on Eastern and Western papermaking traditions, he crafts translucent sheets up to 2.5 meters wide using vacuum tables, pressure methods, and handcrafted tools. He integrates delicate structural frameworks into whisper-thin paper made from flax and hemp, shaping intricate organic cloud-like forms.
His distinctive artistic approach embraces sustainability—avoiding synthetic additives and harmful chemicals while relying on filtered rainwater and renewable energy. A unique characteristic of his material is the natural shrinking of his paper as it dries, which Helmut uses to create tension and form in his sculptures.
Helmut’s sculptures come alive with optical fibers and miniature LED light sources, transmitting secret messages and changing the mood and meaning of each piece. In recent years, he has introduced light graphs—white or colored—into his work. “It is fun to switch on the light; the graphs shine. You switch off; the graphs disappear, and the sculpture remains.” This playful interaction creates a compelling visual experience.
He welcomes curious minds into his studio, sharing papermaking as a meditative craft and a gateway to the quiet magic of light within the tranquil surroundings of his historic home.
VAWAA Includes:
- Dive into the world of experimental papermaking using plant fibers like flax and hemp.
- Learn to use various structure-forming elements to develop spatial, translucent paper creations.
- Observe and understand the natural shrinking behavior of the paper material as it dries.
- Explore the integration of optical fibers to create dynamic light graphics.
- Discover techniques to develop and customize individual light sources.
- Experiment with ways to make your paper sculptures appear to float, enhancing their ethereal quality.
- Extra materials for large or complex projects can be purchased for an additional fee.
- Option to visit local sculptural parks, hike through the UNESCO Volcanic Eifel Geopark, and explore unusual museums such as the Neroth Mousetrap Museum, if time permits.
- Depending on the season, go climbing, cycling, swimming, and fly fishing in the nearby natural surroundings.
Explore Hinterhausen, Gerolstein
Hinterhausen is a peaceful village in the volcanic highlands of western Germany’s Vulkaneifel region, about 75 minutes from Luxembourg Airport near the borders of Luxembourg and Belgium. Dating back to the 11th to 13th centuries, it was once an iron ore mining village. Its historic center features 23 well-preserved homes surrounding the 19th-century St. Lambertus Chapel, a protected cultural site. The village serves as a gateway to the UNESCO Global Geopark Vulkaneifel, known for its volcanic crater lakes called maars and landscapes shaped by ancient eruptions. Nearby hiking trails like the Pferdsheckweg offer views of the Kyll Valley and Wöllersberg volcano. Close by, the Bruder Klaus Field Chapel by architect Peter Zumthor blends seamlessly into the natural surroundings. With cozy holiday homes and the Waldferienpark village, Hinterhausen provides a tranquil retreat for nature lovers drawn to history and geological wonders.
Additional Details
The best time to visit Hinterhausen is from mid-May to mid-September, when the weather is warm and perfect for outdoor activities.
This session can be extended for up to 10 days. Please add a note in your booking request.
Children 10 years and older, elders, and people with accessibility needs are welcome to participate. Helmut’s studio work is largely practiced standing up, with correspondingly high work surfaces. Unfortunately, this set-up cannot be adapted for wheelchair users.
Helmut speaks English, French, and German.
This session can be extended for up to 10 days. Please add a note in your booking request.
Children 10 years and older, elders, and people with accessibility needs are welcome to participate. Helmut’s studio work is largely practiced standing up, with correspondingly high work surfaces. Unfortunately, this set-up cannot be adapted for wheelchair users.
Helmut speaks English, French, and German.
Guest Reviews
Kim R., Australia
Four days making paper light sculptures with Helmut, Gerolstein, Germany
I spent four days in Helmut's studio through Vacation with an Artist, and I loved every minute of it. I'm still thinking about it weeks later.
Helmut has spent decades working with paper, and he shares what he knows freely. We made our own paper from hemp, and he showed me how to embed the optic fibres in it early on. A Read moreDionne L., Netherlands
This was my second VAWAA, and once again I arrived with an open mind and a lot of curiosity. I had a great time with Helmut. I’ve admired the very specific light features he creates, and seeing the process behind them was truly special. It’s a unique craft that requires precision, patience, and a clear sequence of steps — and Helmut guided me through it all with calm expertise and a wonderful sens Read more
