Richard Sweeney

Richard studied 3D Design at Manchester Metropolitan University. Concentrating his study on paper folding techniques, he has since explored the medium to develop a sculptural practice. He has held workshops internationally and lectured at several institutions including the RCA. Richard exhibits work worldwide and has authored a book on paper sculpting methods, Paper Sculpture: Fluid Forms (published November 2021) by Schiffer Publishing.

Describe your approach to teaching:

Through demonstrations of paper manipulation techniques and one-to-one guidance, I allow participants to explore and expand upon the methods through experimentation to discover a way of working that suits their expressive needs.

What inspires your work?

I am primarily concerned with process. I engage with a material, allowing it to determine form through tactile feedback. I am influenced strongly by organic growth patterns and architectural structure.