Jonathan Milne
Considered one of the worlds leading artists specialising in paper, Jonathan’s career began almost began by accident.
When an advertising friend needed an illustration done quickly for a major bank, Jonathan, then a freelance designer proposed what, at the time seemed like an ambitious idea...to illustrate it dimensionally in paper.
That paper scupture of the colourful ANZ bank Travel Man was a roaring success and the rest, as they say, is history.
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At the time Australia was just beginning to expand her creative wings, Jonathan could see that more opportunities to hone his craft were to be had in North America.
So in 1976 with the agreement of his partner and wife Isabel, and along with their two daughters they packed up and moved to Canada.
Establishing a successful freelance career, Jonathan found representation in New York and London and recognition is a member Society of Illustrators New York and the Association of Illustrators, London.
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Jonathan has been honoured with numerous awards. His work has been reproduced across four continents, with originals hanging in board rooms, on ships and in private collections.
"I have enjoyed all colour assignments, but I really love the effect of white on white...the textures and the lighting effects...it's all about light and shade. Quality white papers in different weights are available in a variety of warm, cool, rough and smooth options, offering a large and exiting palate."
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"Every detail is cut or folded and all the shadows are real...no airbrushing."
Kathleen Ziegler, president of the Dimensional Illustrators Inc. and creative director of the book Paper Sculpture. A Step by Step Guide which features Jonathans work, has said the following about Jonathan's work:
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"Milne wasn't the first paper sculptor but he holds the reputation of being one of the best in the world working in the western style. He has won gold at the Dimensional Illustrators Awards, an international award given to artists working in 3D."
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"What he does that's different from other paper sculptors is that he gets the paper to move in two directions. To get the paper to move in both directions without it breaking is considered next to impossible. But with Jonathans work, the paper becomes more spherical, especially when he does portraits. You get a sense of the paper going up and down and sideways. He really pushes the paper past the limits."
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"White on white is the purest form of paper sculpture" says Ziegler "and his work is so striking, we put him first when you open the book. The work is just so unique".
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Now, finally back home in Australia, Jonathan is enjoying retirement by the ocean. Retired, but not idle... as he continually draws, illustrates and even builds model trams.