Work in progress: paper artist Sena Runa

Welcome to the first of our brand new series, Work in progress, a feature that dives deeper into how creatives work and celebrates the importance of process.

Today, for our first instalment, we caught up with Lisbon-based paper artist and author, Sena Runa. With her unique, original and colourful style, Sena loves to bring “fruitful colours” to the lives of others and enjoys spreading joy through her work around the world.

After studying Business Administration and working in HR for 7 years, she discovered paper quilling in 2013 while searching for a hobby. She left her job in 2015 to pursue her passion and work as a full time artist.

“I love the sense of freedom I get when I create my artworks. I really enjoy designing things that I’ve never seen quilled by anyone else before,” she tells The Peep. “I love inspiring other people around the world. Not copying is the key, because that’s how you find your own style and really enjoy it. Playing with the shades of colours, finding the matching colours, is important too.”

Her tutorial book, ‘Quilling Art’, published by GMC Books from UK, contains 20 projects varying in complexity, appealing to both beginners and experienced quillers alike.

See more of Sena’s creations, including step-by-step tutorials, on her YouTube and Instagram.