Meet the Maker – Naomi Greaves

Artist Naomi Greaves takes inspiration from many places, but one source she frequently returns to are Victorian curiosity cabinets, particularly collections of insects. It’s these fascinating repositories of nature that inspired Naomi to use the name NG Paperology for a solo exhibition of hand-crafted paper insects a few years ago – her own paper entomology. Although Naomi’s work has developed since then, and she now often works in wood as well as paper, with more focus on flora and fauna, the name has stuck. We talk to Naomi about her craft, her beautiful wooden decorations and her love of the British countryside…

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I work from my studio based in Staffordshire and take inspiration from our flora and fauna.

Hello Naomi! Can you introduce yourself and tell us a bit about yourself and what you do?
I’ve been producing and developing my practice since graduating from university over 10 years ago. I work from my studio based in Staffordshire and take inspiration from our flora and fauna.

‘Paperology’ is a word I created for a solo exhibition I had sometime ago, meaning a collection of hand-crafted paper insects – my own paper entomology

Where does the ‘Paperology’ in your brand name come from?
Paperology is a word I created for a solo exhibition I had sometime ago. Its definition is a collection of hand-crafted paper insects, therefore, my own paper entomology.

Hedgerow Wreath by Naomi Greaves – available here

What’s your background? How did you learn your craft?
I’ve studied art and design since leaving school in the nineties. My degree was in Fine Art and I specialised in printmaking. What I produce now is a world away from what I created at uni!

Vintage-style Father Christmas, Tin Soldier and Candy Cane Christmas Decorations available here

I collect antique books and use those as source material.

What inspires you?
Lots of things! My main source of inspiration comes from Victorian collections, cabinets of curiosities and entomology. I collect antique books and use those as source material.

Holly Decoration by Naomi Greaves – available here

I don’t feel like I have a particular Christmas tradition, but I suppose I like to watch a Christmassy film on Christmas Eve, and maybe have a glass (or two) of mulled wine and maybe a mince pie!

What’s the process behind your pieces?
My pieces combine different processes. I develop initial sketches in pencil prior to scanning them in to create digital files. Once created, I begin experimenting with laser cutting, and then decide whether to print or hand paint the object to produce the finished item. Quite often I work on ideas for some time before I launch them as new products.

Naomi’s Mistletoe Branch featured in the Mr Mouse and His Handmade House animation by Leanne Warren

What does a typical work day look like?
Although I’m passionate about my craft, I’m unable to stay in my studio all day. I develop most of my work during the evenings in my spare time and use as much time at weekends as I can to bring my ideas to life. When I’m not creating my own work, I’m a gallery technician working full-time.

I develop initial sketches in pencil prior to scanning them in to create digital files. Once created, I begin experimenting with laser cutting, and then decide whether to print or hand paint the object to produce the finished item.

Where do you work? Do you have a dedicated studio?
I’m lucky to have a dedicated studio at home.

Craft is when an object has been developed and created by someone passionate and skilled to produce it.

What do you enjoy doing when you are not working?
I love getting outside. Walking in the Peak District and North Wales are my two most favourite things!

What does craft mean to you?
To me, craft is when an object has been developed and created by someone passionate and skilled to produce it.

Thrush and Oak Leaf Hanging Decoration – available here

I love getting outside. Walking in the Peak District and North Wales are my two most favourite things!

What’s your favourite Christmas tradition?
It’s a strange thing, I don’t feel like I have a particular tradition, but I suppose I like to watch a Christmassy film on Christmas Eve, and maybe have a glass (or two) of mulled wine and maybe a mince pie!