Out & About – Paper Boat Press, Ashgrove

December 3, 2024

News

Paper Boat Press

Ashgrove

Tucked away on Ashgrove Crescent is a gorgeous gift shop and boutique ceramic studio. I recommend you pop by Paper Boat Press ASAP for your Christmas gift shopping – and to purchase beautifully handcrafted ceramic Christmas ornaments.

Kylie Johnson is the creative force behind Paper Boat Press. She established the business in 1995 and moved to the current location 12 years ago. Her journey began in the early ’90s during her Visual Arts and Film studies, where she connected with the Amfora group, reigniting her passion for ceramics—a love nurtured by her parents in the ’70s and ’80s.

Paper Boat Press started with boutique greeting cards featuring Kylie’s whimsical poems and has since expanded to ceramic ornaments, jewellery, homewares, and books – specialising in bespoke ceramic items by Australian and Japanese artists, including a unique range designed and created by Kylie herself.

Awarded a Churchill Fellowship in 2017, Kylie spent two months in Japan studying Kintsugi (ceramic repair) and gallery management philosophies. In 2021, she co-authored ‘Utsuwa – Japanese Objects for Everyday Use’ with her sister, Tiffany Johnson, celebrating their shared appreciation for Japanese artisans. In addition, Kylie has written three poetry books, and most recently published ‘Earth and Fire’, about modern potters, their tools, techniques, and practices.

Kylie holds regular exhibitions for fellow artists at the Ashgrove store, featuring both Australian and Japanese ceramic artisans. Hands-on ceramic workshops are also offered at the store. Kylie also hosts curated and bespoke creative tours to Japan several times a year. All details can be found on the website or contact the store direct.

Tip: purchase a “Memento Kit”. The DIY kit allows you to create your own personalised handcrafted ceramic Christmas decorations, perfect for teachers, colleagues, friends, neighbours, and family members.