TDC interview with Paper Empire Australia! May 10 2017 1 Comment

The Design Chaser  TDC has been a favourite interiors Blog of ours for years & we had the pleasure of meeting the founder Michelle Halford last year while she was working in Melbourne. We are thrilled to be interviewed for her blog today & announce a special offer to celebrate the catalogue launch & Colourfeilds release

NEW RELEASES & ORIGINAL PAINTINGS August 02 2016

ARTIST INTERVIEW SERIES- STEFAN GEVERS April 10 2016

Today we meet artist Stefan Gevers- one half of Paper Empire Australia & a solo exhibiting artist. From now until April 17 you have the chance to win $150 towards any of his prints. Visit our instagram for details & please comment or ask questions below!

Stefan has work is in the NAB collection, Artbank, State Library of Vic & Qld and numerous private collections throughout Australia and Europe. He has exhibited widely as a solo artist and as part of collaborative exhibitions www.stefangevers.com 

Tell us about an average day - Is there such a thing ?? - how do you get started?

The day starts usually at 6.30am with breakfast, walk the dog and getting the children ready for school. By 9.30 I am usually at the studio in Kensington. I do need to plan my week as otherwise it is taken over by things that don't involve painting. I split a regular day amongst many tasks- some exciting others not so much! Admin, emails and organizing my art classes takes a full day. I try to devote a day in production for Paper Empire, which might be sourcing new suppliers, ordering stock, pre planning fairs and markets. And most importantly is making time for painting- new work for Paper Empire, exhibitions, commissions, etc. These are the day's I really look forward to! When an exhibition is coming up I will be spending more day’s painting, longer days or weekends.

* Stefan has an exhibition currently showing from April 9 to May 8^th 2016 at Stockroom Galleries, Kyneton Victoria.

What is the most exciting part of creating art / designing your range / your business in general. Is it difficult to run a creative business. Any advice?

 Ultimately painting is what makes me happy and what I am good at. New work doesn't always come easily and it can be quite a struggle to finally come up with work I am happy with. Working with watercolour can be frustrating as it is such an unforgiving medium. Mistakes mean I may have to start again and loose days of work. It's something that a creative person has to get used to & it is also an important part of resolving creative hurdles. I feel great about actually making a living with what I love to do, although it is not always that easy. Its also important for me to have a studio outside of home. Watercolour painting is developed in stages & I will often work on several pieces at once- leaving them out to consider the next stage is important.

How long have you been working as an artist- what changes have you noticed in that time - technology; design trends; customer expectations;   

I have been making Art since I was 17 and I am now 47. In those years Ihave made large scale oil paintings, acrylic, sculptures and worked with watercolour. The biggest change would be the use of social media and how important it has become to market my work. In the "olden" days you would show your work in galleries once or twice a year and rely on people walking in. That still happens but it can't be your only way of putting your self out there anymore. Customers expect to see your work online and be able to buy on line as well. On the flip side I had the privilege to teach watercolour painting to 3 Aboriginal artists from Yamaji, Garaldton WA. A great experience to work with these traditional painters & learn from each other.

PE firmly believe art can transform. It can transform a room, it can lift your spirits, it can change your thinking. Have you ever experienced this?

Art is an essential part of society as it reflects and comments on that society in fundamental ways. It can change the feel of a space and can touch you emotionally. I have stood in front of paintings that made cry, gave me goose bumps and changed my way of thinking. Francis Bacon, Louise Bourgois and Eduardo Chillida to name a few. A world without art would be pretty boring! 

Do you have a favourite piece of art?

I have lots of favourite pieces of art and in particular exhibitions. The Documenta in Kassel, Germany has made a great impact on me in my earlier years and discovering Chillida's work in Spain greatly influenced my work. Francesco Clemente makes large scale watercolours which are impressive and is one of my favourite watercolour artists.

Eduardo Chillida Sculpture

New products launched at Life In Style this week. July 28 2015

Stefan Gevers has been working on a new range of botanical and abstract watercolour prints. All prints and signed and numbered by Stefan.

Reno Rumble Loves Modern Australian June 23 2015

The finale of Reno Rumble saw contestants battle out a home renovation on a grand scale! Paper Empire was ecstatic to see STEFAN GEVERS limited edition bird prints feature in the Modern Australian house. The judges gushed, the home owners were thrilled and we were so proud to see the Major Mitchell & Red Tail Black Cockatoo feature so resplendently! Several sizes available here

Paper Empire will exhibit at DEN FAIR April 15 2015

Paper Empire will showcase original designs by STEFAN GEVERS & STUDIO SNOWPUPPE at Den Fair this May 14-16

From the organisers….

DEN IS A PROFESSIONAL PLATFORM TAILOR MADE FOR THE FURNITURE, FURNISHING AND DESIGN INDUSTRY AND IT’S INNOVATORS TO WORK, CONNECT AND INSPIRE…

[SELECTED EVENT FOR PROFESSIONALS ONLY]*

NEW SNOWPUPPE GRADIENT LIGHTS HAVE ARRIVED! April 07 2015

Beautiful gradient blue & gorgeous gradient gold are now available to order in both Moth & XL Moth. Looking for a room stealing light? This is IT!

Handmade in Holland, these designer lights are effective to light a room or act as an cozy bed side or desk light. The origami folds add interest to every facet & make these modern, minimalist lights a real feature. New cord colours are also available to select. See them here

SYDNEY LIFE INSTYLE SHOWCASING SNOWPUPPE February 16 2015

Keep a look out when you arrive at the February Sydney Life Instyle trade fair for Snowpuppe lights!!

Cant reveal too much- except to say they might be greeting you at the entry!!

Paper Empire chosen by EST MAGAZINE as a range to Covet July 23 2014

Est Magazine is a free quarterly digital design magazine curating the best in Australian and international design. Their most recent post was about the upcoming Life Instyle trade show for the retail & design industries. We were extremely proud to be included in this curated collection of Australian designers. The trade fair open Thurs 31 st July for 4 days in Melbourne's iconic Royal Exhibition Buildings. Hope to see you there x

Paper Empire on Studio Home! July 05 2014

If you haven't seen this beautiful blog Studio Home please go & check it out now! Friday 4th July post included our limited edition prints by Stefan Gevers & featured our collection of 8 limited edition bird prints. Studio Home is an Australian & New Zealand focused art, design & culture blog that features the best of both lands. Impressive content every day - so for our humble empire to be included was just a bit exciting (said with Kiwi accent!)Thanks Julia!

Snowpuppe and Paper Empire July 03 2014

Chestnut in pink!

Just a little teaser… we will exhibit a selection of beautiful paper origami lights by Dutch designers Studio Snowpuppe. These will be available for trade visitors to order along with our limited edition prints ranges and art cards at LIFE INSTYLE Melbourne, Royal Exhibition Buildings July 31st - Aug 3rd.

Studio Snowpuppe is an independent studio based in The Hague, The Netherlands. 
Nellianna, Kenneth and Fleur are the creative people behind the folded paper lamps. A unique product all made by hand and in small production. 
They are using natural materials designing lights that make the world just a little more attractive. 

The paper illuminated by the light of an energy saving light bulb, creates a cosy atmosphere in your home.

TheSnowpuppe lights will be available on our web shop and at trade discount for industry professionals. If you are an interior designer, stylist, architect, blogger etc, come and check out out these stunning lights.

Xl Moth in pink/white gradient

                         Chestnut in pink

Come and meet us at LIFE INSTYLE! Stand 9008 November 27 2013

Paper Empire Australia was launched in October 2013 - We believe art should rule your empire.

We produce our own ranges as well as represent other artists & publish selected works in print & cards. We will launch our ranges to the retail & trade industry at Life Instyle in Melbourne starting July 31st. So don't be shy, come visit us or contact us now for information - Wholesale customers can now contact our agencies in VIC and WA!