Zoe Bradley

Paper artist

©Alun Callender

©Zoe Bradley Design

©Alun Callender

©Zoe Bradley Design

The paper alchemist

Zoe works with paper like a fashion designer
She creates sculptures for luxury brands worldwide
Life and movement are key to her pieces

An apprentice to the late Alexander McQueen, Zoe Bradley soon discovered her love for paper while making showpieces for the Michicko Koshino Autumn-Winter 2005 show, looking for alternatives to fabric. Her imagination was captivated by the immediate and endless opportunities folding, pleating, curling and stitching paper offered. She enjoyed the challenge of creating something unexpected from two-dimensional paper sheets into a magical three-dimensional sculpture. She masters paper cutting and handsculpting, modelling and painting; her creations span from paper flowers and headpieces, to couture gowns and installations for the likes of Liberty's and Sotheby’s. Exploring and interpreting historical costume, fashion and nature; her pieces are created with human emotion, they undergo a journey, carry refinement and are beautifully finished.

Interview

©Alun Callender

©Zoe Bradley Design

What are your creations about?: I create pieces on a sizeable scale; the physicality and sensuality of my work play with the relationship between humanity and nature. I work instinctively with paper rather than mathematically; the flow of the piece is important to me.
Is your work traditional or innovative?: My creations are primarily handcrafted and made from my studio in Wales, employing techniques of die and laser cutting and unique handsculpted finishes. My signature material is paper; however, recent commissions have also involved the use of plastic and metal.
How does nature inspire you?: Gardening is a family tradition and I live surrounded by nature. I am passionate about sculpting in paper and creating detailed flower varieties. I like to have the chance to cross boundaries between fashion, installation, historical costume and design.
What do you love most about your profession?: That no two days are the same, each commission comes with a whole new set of challenges and opportunities; people don’t know for instance that installation work is very physical, I have to climb the dress frames to decorate them!

Zoe Bradley is a master artisan: she began her career in 2005 and she started teaching in 2015