Peter Gentenaar began making paper in 1973. He wanted to create his own paper to print his etchings on. He learned the entire process from making pulp out of plant fibers to forming sheets of paper by hand. Papermaking means working with water and plant fibers. The fiber is ground for hours in water using a machine called a Hollander, a beater invented by millers in the Zaan region around 1650. In 1991, Gentenaar built his own Hollander to process the flax and hemp fibers needed for his work. He fell in love with the fiber and never made another etching.

What has not been mentioned before: his daughter Trude has been working alongside him in the studio for many years. She gradually grew into the process, first learning and supporting, now fully engaged. Named after textile artist Trude Guermonprez, she shares a deep love for the material and the craft.