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Jan Curle
Jan is a bookbinder of hand-bound journals with exposed spine stitching, inspired by the use of techniques that have been around for generations. Jan strives to make her journals eco-friendly whenever possible, through the use of leather offcuts and recycled papers. She loves exploring and learning different techniques to enhance the creative elements of her journals.
Prior to bookbinding, Jan created cards from her botanical printing, photographs, watercolours and cyanotype prints. Sometimes these are used in the journals which Jan makes from her Perth based home studio.
Aesthetic
Jan creates hand-bound journals centred on artistry, sustainability, and simplicity. Each piece reflects a mindful approach to design, where form and function meet in quiet harmony. Using eco-friendly materials wherever possible ensures that every journal leaves a minimal environmental footprint.
Each journal is a unique and functional piece of art, shaped by the organic variations in the materials and Jan’s intuitive complementary elements and attention to detail. The result is not only a notebook, but a personal space for reflection and creativity.
Practice
Jan’s process begins with careful material selection of leather, paper, decorative papers, threads, fastenings and choosing textures and tones that work together to create a unique journal. She begins by cutting the cover and then carefully cuts, folds, and binds each page. Jan creates exposed stitching, giving the spine its character. The covers are minimalist, clean lines and often subtle hues of the linen threads, resulting in a journal, which is tactile and the quality of the materials speak for themselves. Each hand-bound journal celebrates the beauty of imperfection.
Working sustainably can mean Jan liaising with upholsterers and re-use emporiums to source leather, decorative pages and paper for the main pages. Jan also enjoys collaborating with other artists, such as with a ceramic artist who makes many of the button fastenings used on her journals.
Jan is always happy to work on commissions, which can include your own decorative pages or any element you wish to incorporate to make it meaningful. Jan also offers a replenishing service on any of her sold and well used completed journals.
Location & Links
Perth
