Donatas Žukauskas (b 1967) is a Lithuanian-born artist and designer. He graduated from the Vilnius Academy of Arts in 1992 with a degree in graphic design. His early career included roles as a character designer in animation and as an advertising designer. Driven by a desire for creative independence, he transitioned into freelance interior design, working on private homes, shops, offices, and cafés for over two decades.Over time, Žukauskas began creating sculptural pieces as a personal hobby, which evolved into his primary artistic focus. His works include side and coffee tables, lamps, vases, sculptures, and candle lanterns, all characterized by a fusion of sculpture, design, and artistry. Žukauskas’s philosophy centers on the idea that imperfection can be a pathway to beauty, and he strives to incorporate this into his work. His creations have been featured in various international publications and exhibitions, highlighting his commitment to sustainable design and artistic expression.

1. Where were you born and where are you from ?

I was born and live in Lithuania.

2. What is your first memory connected to the art world ?

I grew up in a creative family — my mother and uncle are artists, and other relatives are architects — so I’ve been surrounded by art since childhood.

3. Have you always worked in the art/design field, and what led you to the design creation ?

I graduated from the Vilnius Academy of Arts with a degree in interior design. I started my career in animation and later worked in interior design for many years. I’ve always believed that a good interior needs art. Since I’ve always been drawn to art — especially sculpture — I gradually shifted my focus to creating sculptural objects. Today, this has become my main occupation.

4. What led you to the design creation ?

I wanted to create a creative activity for my mother—something that used simple materials, required no workshop, and could be done from home. I chose paper as the main medium because, unlike ceramics or wood, it doesn’t require complex tools. As I experimented and combined recycled paper with other materials, I became deeply involved in the process myself. Over time, it grew into my main occupation. Today, I have a dedicated workshop where I work with various tools and materials, including recycled paper, cement, wood, glue, and paint.

5. How would you describe your creative process and it influences ?

About half of my works are created on commission from architects. They usually show me the space where the object will be placed and ask me to create something that fits. It’s always rewarding when a client trusts me enough to give me complete creative freedom. Sometimes they don’t know exactly what they’ll receive, but they’ve never been disappointed.

The other half of my work emerges more spontaneously. I enjoy variety—sometimes I create vases or other decorative pieces. But as an interior designer, I’m also drawn to functional objects like tables, lamps, and benches.

6. Could you describe a typical day of your work ?

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7. Why did you choose the specific materials you work with ?

As I mentioned, I initially chose recycled paper because it was easy to work with. Over time, as I gained experience, I began exploring more complex techniques and incorporating a wider range of materials. Although paper may seem fragile, when recycled and combined with other elements, it regains a strength similar to wood. I like to call it the “third life of wood.” This material allows for a wide variety of textures and forms. I’m drawn to elegant shapes paired with raw, archaic textures—and this medium makes that combination possible.

Sustainability is also a very important aspect of my work. I use a lot of cardboard sourced from discarded packaging, and all other paper materials are also repurposed. My production generates virtually no waste. The main processing technique is sanding, and the only by-product is dust—that’s the extent of the waste.

8. What are the technical particularities of your creations ?

The material I use is strong— even a 2 mm layer is difficult to break. At the same time, it has a slight elasticity, which helps it withstand impact without cracking. Although it sometimes resembles concrete in appearance, it doesn’t have its coldness to the touch; instead, it feels more like wood.

9. What advices could you give to beginning artists who would like to create sculptural design works ?

Cultivate curiosity and commit to consistent effort.

10. If your works had to belong to a design movement, in which one would you define it ?

Abstraction, minimalism, archaism.

11. What designers and artists have influenced you ?

Domingos Totora
Ria Augousti
Vincenzo De Cotiis

12. What contemporary designers do you appreciate ?

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13. What contemporary artists (in any kind of art) have you been inspired by ?

Joan Miró

14. If you had to summarize your creations in one word or sentence, what would it be ?

“Imperfection as a way to create beauty.”
Cracks, splits, random marks, and unpredictable outcomes in sculptural forms—this kind of imperfection fascinates me. I intentionally seek it out in almost all of my work.

PROUST QUESTIONNAIRE
(The Proust Questionnaire is a set of questions answered by the French writer Marcel Proust.
Other historical figures who have answered confession albums are Oscar Wilde,
Karl Marx, Arthur Conan Doyle, Stéphane Mallarmé, Paul Cézanne…)

11. Which words or phrases do you most overuse?

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12. Which talent would you most like to have?

Entrepreneur.

13. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

Introversion.

14. What do you consider your greatest achievement?

I make a living from art.

15. If you were to die and come back as a person or a thing, what would it be?

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16. Where would you most like to live?

Closer to the Sea.

17. What is your most treasured possession?

Abilities.

18. What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?

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19. What is your favorite occupation?

Dreaming.

20. What is your most marked characteristic?

Perseverance.

21. What do you most value in your friends?

Sincerity.

22. Who are your favorite writers?

Jorge Luis Borges.

23. Who is your hero of fiction?

Captain Blood.

24. Which historical figure do you most identify with?

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25. Who are your heroes in real life?

Independent Captain Blood Artists.

26. What are your favorite names?

Andrius.

27. What is it that you most dislike?

Too Many Rules.

28. What is your greatest regret?

Unexploited Opportunities.

29. How would you like to die?

Sleeping.

30. What is your motto?

Everything is Possible.