Pampas grass, which is native to Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay, was first introduced to Europe in the early 1800s by a Scottish horticulturist. Each plant can produce over a million seeds during its lifetime, leading to import restrictions in countries such as New Zealand and South Africa due to concerns that it could outcompete plant species indigenous to those regions. Invasive, non-native species pose a major risk to worldwide biodiversity and can harmfully impact human health and the economy.

Considering pampas grass as a potential material for paper production offers a compelling example of countering these negative aspects of invasiveness. The paper-making industry traditionally involves clear-cutting extensive forest areas, followed by chemicals for bleaching and processing. This process, along with global shipping, contributes significantly to carbon emissions at various stages and to the overall global carbon footprint; however, the practice of paper-making in diverse regions have historically utilized locally sourced plant fibres. By adopting a local approach to paper-making, we not only address environmental concerns associated with traditional paper-making but also utilize the invasive qualities of pampas grass.

The aim of this project is to produce a collage that combines pampas grass paper with cyanotype prints. Through the process of tearing and reassembling, the project serves as a symbolic breakdown of invasiveness, offering a creative perspective on how pampas grass can be repurposed and transformed into something that addresses today’s environmental concerns.