
Donatas Žukauskas
Born: 1967
Hometown: Vilniaus r.
Based in: Vilniaus r.
Born: 1967
Hometown: Vilniaus r.
Based in: Vilniaus r.
"Imperfection as a way to create beauty". Cracks, splits, random spots and unpredictable results in a sculptural plastic form, such imperfection fascinates me, I strive for it in almost all my works.
I am a interior designer and creator of interior details from Lithuania, I have been creating sculptural interior objects for more than 15 years, combining sculpture, design and artistry. I create side and coffee tables, lamps, vases, sculptures, candle lanterns.
I use a concrete-like material, which is the result of various experiments. It is a mixture of several components: the largest part is paper pulp. Although paper is often associated with fragility, when mixed with other materials and dried it becomes as strong as wood, it resembles concrete but is slightly elastic, so it does not split or crumble. It took a lot of testing to find the right ratio of materials to create a rough or smooth surface, water resistance, rigidity, and elasticity.
By using paper in my works, I give it the properties of wood again: natural texture, strength. It's like giving a tree a new life. This is the third tree life.
My works decorate houses in USA, UK, Australia, France, Sheraton hotel in Qatar, Doha.
Imperfection as a way to create beauty. Cracks, rips, splits, random spots and unpredictable results, this kind of imperfection fascinates me and I strive for it in some of my works.
What inspires you?
Nature is the most inspiring, its loose, curved shapes, random unevenness, natural cracks.
Describe your creative process.
First, I make the shape of the work. Then I make mass-like concrete that is glued onto the shape. This material is strong and elastic, so it does not crumble and crack like concrete. The mass resembling concrete is the result of various experiments. It is a mixture of several components: the largest part of which is paper mass. Although paper is often associated with fragility, when mixed with other materials and dried, it becomes as strong as wood. After the product dries, it is scrubbed, and the tabletop is oiled.
What are 3 words that best describe your work?
third tree life
What is the most important tool when creating your work?
I work as a sculptor for most of my work, so I mostly use a wood carver.
Where do you go for inspiration?
Nature