In the fold with Paper Couture

Paper sculpture by Jo Neville

One of my favourite things from the latest Inside Out issue is the beautiful paper art story by stylist Lara Hutton. I especially love the handmade feature pieces by Jo Neville, who also runs the stationery boutique, Paper Couture. How could you not be smitten by her bookish sculpture (above) or lamp made of page scrolls or her globe stitched together from maps (like a post-operation atlas)?


Paper flowers and butterflies by Jo Neville

I wanted to know more about her work and how she came to turn 2-D sheets into 3-D magic, so I thought I'd quiz her for our blog.

When did you first start get into making paper art? Was it an experiment or was it something you were taught?
I studied Graphic Design at Swinburne (Melbourne) in the late '80s. It was an extremely thorough course incorporating every discipline relating to design, including 3D design which I loved the most - I did not realise at the time that this would be my most used skill!


Hand-sewn globe by Jo Neville

I worked for six years post-uni, designing annual reports and corporate identity for others, but felt I needed to be more creative in my own right. I started designing bespoke stationery for customers from home, then started my own business incorporating a design studio and printery.

Since that closed at the end of the '90s, I have started Paper Couture, the shop. Between orders, I play with leftover paper to create products to sell in the shop.


Hand-sewn globe by Jo Neville

What are your favourite paper art pieces that you’ve made? And what’s the most strangest or dramatic thing you’ve been asked to make out of paper?
My favourite piece is still my signature coat, made out of brown paper. I created it to put on the wall in my store, for when it first opened. I have a piece of clothing that represents each season; I change the piece in the store accordingly. The most strangest thing I have been asked to make was a paper dinner set.


Paper nest by Jo Neville

Do you find you’re constantly tearing up newspapers and whatever is around to reshape into something new?
Any form of old paper I see potential in: foreign newspapers, old books, music, quirky packaging, wallpaper, whatever I can get my hands on! Sometimes the filler materials made from paper work for me, too.


Lampshade by Jo Neville

Can you describe your studio?
Messy, my studio itself is a work in progress. My customers usually want to be in the studio; I am embarrassed by the mess, but they are drawn into the movement and colour all around. I surround myself in works-in-progress and jobs. I have large pinboard walls, to which I am constantly adding samples and inspiration.


Paper Couture store

Can you tell me about juggling Paper Couture the store and your own artwork?
I am so torn, I would love to just immerse myself in playing with paper all day. Installation work is what I love the most but unfortunately, there is not a huge calling for such work.


Paper Couture store

However, I am fortunate enough to have some work in Thredbo: I have a friend who owns Merritts Mountain House and I have been able to work with her on creating a winter wonderland; these jobs are gold. I am spoilt as I get to travel to the mountains and recharge. Travel for work, now that is the ultimate job!


Stationery by Jo Neville

To do such jobs though, I have to shut the shop. The shop is there to create a cash flow, however, and I totally believe in offering a service to customers that does not intimidate them. I like to give my customer the opportunity to work as a team with me and create; because not everyone is creative, they love that challenge and they like having their hand held through the design process - it's escapism.

I am passionate about delivering a quality product.


Stationery by Jo Neville

Who are some of your favourite paper artists?
My favourite paper artists are Tord Boontje and Lizzie Buckmaster Dove.

What’s coming up for you? And where can people see your work?
I will be working on a website which will incorporate a new range of pret-a-porter-style goods for the DIY paper consumer. I am also working on stationery for a sustainable lifestyle product range that will be available around the world. My shop, for those in Sydney, is the best place to see my work as I change product almost every day - I have a MySpace site where a gallery of my work can be viewed also.


Stationery by Jo Neville

For more information on Jo Neville and Paper Couture, visit her MySpace or her store at 284 South Dowling Street, Paddington NSW, (02) 9357 6855. And don't forget to grab the latest Inside Out, which features plenty of her beautiful handiwork.

Lee Tran, deputy chief sub-editor


Paper coat by Jo Neville