Here at Papersmiths, we are so lucky to know of so many artists, designers, suppliers and creative individuals, both locally in Bristol and internationally.
Therefore, took the opportunity to profile several special creative individuals. Working in different fields, we got an insight into their work, studio spaces and most importantly - their pencil cases...
In what way does stationery play a part in your creative process?
Stationery is the tool of my trade - no stationery item I own looks too pretty, or is too precious. That's not to say that I do not get heart palpitations over a nice looking bit of stationery (i.e. the full contents of Papersmiths) but I am constantly using, messing up and moving around my pencil case so it does take a bit of a bashing!
What is your favourite thing in your studio?
I don’t think I can choose one thing! Maybe my hanging system for drying prints. That, or my 1980’s pot of ‘Plum tree - red liquid opaque’ - which is still going strong! You just add water - I think it will last for another 100 years or more!
Do you pack any essential stationery items when going travelling?
Yes I do, I have a much smaller pencil case, containing a pencil, a sharper, scissors, glue and some water colour pens.
Name an artwork or piece of design that you love!
Anything Paul Rand put his hands to! It makes me want to cut my own off…
Are you working on any exciting projects?
I am having a solo exhibition about bread in Bristol’s best bakery! I am pretty excited, it will contain lots of word play around bread and pastries. I love a bit of nonsensical fun.
Thanks Lucie!
You can check out Lucie's work at Hart's Bakery, under the Arches at Temple Meads Station from 7th - 30th November 2016.
Pop into Papersmiths to purchase some of her wonderful prints, or check out more of her artwork below:
I use lots of stationery day to day. I'm always making notes and marking measurements in pencil, cutting paper with rulers and scalpels, using post-it notes in found books and drawing with ink and pencil.
The wooden scalpel box my grandfather gave me and the Richard Lindner book my high school art teacher gave me for sentimental reasons.
Meticulous, Precise, Classic.
Bradley's tools in detail. Wooden scalpel box, Swan Morton Scalpel, American Line Scalpels, Opinel Knives, Helix Tin, Hay Scissors, Palomino Blacking Pencil, GraphGear 500 clutch pencil, Rotring Rapidograph, Muji Eraser, Stainless 30cm Ruler.
Do you pack any essential stationery items when going travelling?
I like having a small sketchbook and a mechanical pencil for notes and scribbles and my macbook to make text edit notes.
Name an artwork or piece of design that you love.
I keep going back and looking at Wes Lang’s drawings from his Chateau Marmot Residency. I love everything about that project.
Where do you go to get inspired?
The library. Lately I’m obsessed with visiting different libraries in Bristol. I keep finding amazing retro books for reference even in tiny village libraries. Recently I have enjoyed exhibitions at Hauser and Wirth Somerset, Spike Island and the RA.
Work in progress. Ink and pencil drawing on coffee dyed Surrey 200gsm paper. Combining diagrams found in old Natural History / Science books.
What is on your summer reading list?
George Condo by Simon Baker, Art As Therapy by Alain De Botton, The World Beyond Your Head by Mathew Crawford & the Wallpaper Melbourne City Guide.
Are you working on any exciting projects?
I am taking a break from freelance commissions and working on personal projects. I am finding reference from Natural History and Science books then drawing my favourite diagrams and text. By following a set of rules and combining unlikely diagrams and text from our vast world I hope to satisfy my creative needs while creating interesting shapes and original graphics. I plan on returning to freelance work / exhibitions in Melbourne.
Thanks Brad!
We are Maxime & Adèle ! Our studio started in 2013 when we decided to leave our jobs in Paris to live in the countryside. We started a project - which we called Atelier Bingo. We enjoy creating our own personal universe, where we can work in a mix of art, illustration and design. We also have our own screen print studio and our online shop!
In what ways does stationery play a part in your creative process?
We use it a lot for planning. Organising an independent studio is always complicated! You need to be an accountant and secretary, manage the commercial aspects, and also have time for the creations too!
Describe the contents of your pencil case in three words!
Messy, funny & playful!
Our coffee maker because we drink a lot of coffee!
A screen print from Sister Corita because we love their vibrant artworks speaking about peace & social justice!
The internet of course! We like Instagram and Tumblr. However, we really love to go to Emmaus, which is a second hand shop in France. We love finding good vintage design - in particular the graphic design of some very cool glasses and books!
Lots of independent comics: Arsène Schrauwen by O.Schrauwen
Oh yes! In October we will paint an outside wall in Rennes (France) for Antipode MJC. The size of the wall is 7 metres! We are very excited about this! In November we have a top secret project! What I can say to you is that we will be travelling to Australia for this!!!
Thanks Maxime & Adèle!
