Flute Coupe Or Straw?

Original Artwork 

Collection: In Conversation: Part II 

This series explores themes of connections and balance in relationships, particularly those between human and non-human life forms we share this planet with. The pulp painted papers pulled by hand in organic shapes featured in this series were developed from Lam's recent intensive studies in papermaking at the Paperhouse Studio in Toronto. The training and time at the studio were supported by a grant from Canada Art Council for professional development. 

Bio/Artist Statement 

Cindy Yan Lam (she/her) is a Canadian visual artist. Her current practice focuses on working with paper as a medium. Born in Hong Kong, she immigrated to Canada with her family as a toddler. She is based in Toronto. 

Lam's process driven practice consists of historical craft technologies that are tactile and require time in their development, as her work often explores themes of slowness, the passage of time, juxtapositions, and regeneration. Her creative methods include hand papermaking, stitching, inkwork, and printmaking. Many of her abstract landscape works begin with handmade papers which are created from the raw fibre stage that Lam processes by hand. Her practice aims to counter the frenetic pace of our highly digitized age where faster is often deemed better. Much of Lam’s work is influenced by her daily walking practice where she attunes to the many non-human lifeforms, we share our planet with. 

Lam holds a Master of Fine Arts degree from Falmouth University, UK. She was awarded distinction classifications for both her final major project and for her degree. In 2024, she was the recipient of an Explore and Create grant by the Canada Council for the Arts which support her further explorations in hand papermaking. She has exhibited locally and internationally. Her works are held in private collections in Canada, USA, Asia, and Europe. 

When she is not making art, you will find her exploring the residential streets, parks, and ravines in her neighbourhood with her two beloved Samoyed dogs aka her studio mates.