Crafting Artistry Grain by Grain - Jolene Lowe’s Clay Art on Kozo Paper

We’re delighted to showcase the work of Jolene Lowe, an artist and designer whose creations offer an inspiring blend of Japanese aesthetics, intricate clay work, and our handmade Kozo papers. Jolene’s journey in the world of art is as layered and textured as her pieces themselves, with each step in her career bringing her closer to her current work: delicate, highly detailed clay art set against range of handcrafted papers.

A Journey of Style and Rediscovery

In her twenties, Jolene lived in Osaka, Japan, where she illustrated children’s books and immersed herself in the Japanese and Chinese aesthetics. This period deeply influenced her style, giving her work a unique perspective. Originally from Cornwall but now based in Newcastle, Jolene transitioned back to the UK, where she found success as a textile designer and fashion illustrator. However, after the birth of her son, her artistic journey paused unexpectedly. For five years, her creative pursuits took a backseat, but the spark eventually reignited—though in a new direction.

A selection of Jolene's textile designs

Jolene initially experimented with clay and even considered studying ceramics, but her innate creativity took over, and her designs began to flow naturally, blending her illustrative style with her newfound passion for clay. Today, her pieces offer a harmonious interplay of drawing, texture, and three-dimensional elements, as if her experiences with both textiles and illustration found a natural continuation in clay and paper.

Jolene's artworks draws inspiration from far-eastern culture

Creating Clay Art on Papers

Jolene’s artwork is handcrafted from air-dry clay and occasionally Fimo (polymer clay). Each piece is composed of tiny, intricate shapes—sometimes as small as a grain of couscous or rice—meticulously formed by hand. Jolene crafts these pieces to mimic textures like scales, giving each artwork an detailed organic quality. Every element is individually applied to a paper background, creating pieces that are as unique as they are intricate, taking days or even weeks to complete.

"Octopus" Clay Artwork on Milano Kozo Paper by Jolene Lowe

Our handmade papers at Kozo Studio play a role in some of Jolene’s works, elevating each piece with their stunning colors, textures, and authenticity. As Jolene explains, “It’s like the paper chooses the image.” The variety of textures, from our marbled Milano to the subtle rich feel of classic washi papers, seamlessly complements her clay designs. Together, they create artworks that are beautifully intricate and deeply engaging, each one a one-of-a-kind piece that could never be replicated.

Each grain of clay is meticulously placed on the paper

An Artistic Collaboration with Kozo Studio

For Jolene, working with Kozo Studio’s paper has been a harmonious addition to her creative process. She describes our papers as “mesmerizing,” noting how they subtly enhance the intricacy and depth of her clay art. By using our paper as a base, she’s able to bring an added layer of character to each piece, resulting in artwork that feels both personal and unique. Her creations are versatile, able to suit any scale, from small, intimate works to larger statement pieces.

Jolene’s journey from textiles and illustration to clay and paper art reflects the path of an artist who draws on her experiences, her passion for tactile materials, and her evolving creative vision. Her pieces, supported by the distinctive textures and colors of Kozo Studio paper, beautifully illustrate the blend of tradition and innovation that makes her work so captivating.

Visit Jolene's Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/ikiart963/