Jennifer Buttery

PAPER ARTIST

  •            
A three-dimensional artist working with paper and natural threads, their tactile and visual nature lead my creativity.

The translucency of Japanese papers, lustre of silk thread, tension of waxed linen, and softness of vintage embroidery cotton all play their part. 

At times, including text imparts a narrative, employs ink and paint, shapes and patterns.

Precise work, using a limited palette, and often working in series are my trademarks. 

Influenced by my family of makers, life stories, the natural world, and fine craftsmanship.

Paper garments, artists books, and re-imagined structures from the medieval and renaissance periods represent my current focus.


Above: Wearable outfit of Japanese paper and silk thread; breathtakingly light and soft to wear, gently rustling, the pearlescent finish reflecting light. Shown with full size facsimilies of paper garments of nine people and their personal stories.



The Ephemeral Nature of Garments Artists Book. Japanese paper, silk thread and ink.  9.2 x 9.2cms. Exhibited at  at ‘Where Artists and Texts Meet’, Liverpool 2026
Some garments hold a special significance for us as they are related to a time, place and an experience we had when we wore them.  Nine contribuors shared their memory of a special garment,  these were captured onto life sized facsimilies in tissue paper, representing the fragility of memories. Each photographed and enclosed in this book.
Diminutive paper garments


Diminutive paper garment crafted from Japanese paper, silk and cotton threads.  Eskimo Design 23cm x 30cm x 9cm
Diminutive paper garment crafted from Japanese papers, silk and cotton threads.  Mizutama Ruff Design 25cm x 34cm x 10cm
Artists books and 3-d works


  •         Re-imagined Toast brochure 2025
                Pilates: strength and control. Artists book featuring several pilates positions and referencing bone cells as a nod to the artist’s osteoporosis. 
    102 x 126 x 2mm & 78 x 112 x 8.5mm 
                Homage to rice. Recognising the importance of rice as a staple food. 
    Card,acrylic, beads and ink. 
    11cm x 11 cms x 11 cms 
                Paper jacket, front  size 10, Japanese papers, paper and silk threads and shell shown on a vintage wooden coathanger.
                  Paper jacket back
              Paper jacket front detail
About



  • Emerging artist creating in rural Herefordshire, England

Making slowly, but gently, in between gardening, visiting exhibitions and exploring new places. Member of Marches Book Arts Group.

Exhibitions

‘Where Artists and Texts Meet’. John Moores University Library and Liverpool Book Arts Group, February-March 2026

‘The Fold: Celebrating what paper can do and what a book can be’. Marches Book Arts Group at Marches Makers Festival, Kington, May 2026


Learning

1. Foundation in Art and Design, Distinction. West Dean College 2024
2. Quietly Composed workshop, Amanda Clayton, Little Heath Barn Studio 2025
3. Washi Paper Making workshop. Elaine Cooper, RWA 2025
4. Silk Paper Making workshop. Maureen Richardson, 2025
5. Experimental Book Arts workshop, Guy Begbie 2025
5. Japanese Paper Manipulation workshop. Elaine Cooper, RWA 2024
6. Making Paper Garments. Jennifer Collier, Clay Hill Arts, 2022



Copyright 2026 Jennifer Buttery