Meet the passionate craftspeople who founded squixellghunel and continue to guide our artistic vision and commitment to quality.
With a background in fine arts and a specialization in printmaking from Auckland University of Technology, Olivia brings a deep understanding of artistic tradition and contemporary design to every creation. Her passion for traditional printing techniques began during her studies in Japan, where she apprenticed with master printmakers and developed an appreciation for the marriage of precision and artistic expression.
Olivia's distinctive artistic vision drives the aesthetic direction of squixellghunel, where she constantly explores the balance between timeless elegance and modern sensibility. Her work has been featured in design publications throughout New Zealand and Australia.
"I believe that in our increasingly digital world, there's a growing hunger for tangible, thoughtfully crafted objects that carry meaning beyond their function. Each card we create is an opportunity to deliver not just a message, but a moment of connection."
James brings precision and technical expertise to squixellghunel as a master of traditional letterpress and contemporary printing techniques. With formal training in typography and book arts from the University of Canterbury, followed by specialized study in paper conservation, James ensures that each creation meets exacting standards of craftsmanship.
His journey in the world of paper arts began with a fascination for bookbinding, which evolved into a comprehensive understanding of paper qualities, printing methods, and the chemistry of inks and dyes. This technical knowledge forms the foundation of our production process, allowing us to achieve exceptional results while maintaining environmentally conscious practices.
"What excites me most is the alchemy that happens when traditional techniques meet innovative materials. There's always something new to discover, some way to push the boundaries while honoring the craft's rich history."
Elena completes our founding team with her business acumen and strategic vision. With a background in luxury brand management and a passion for sustainable business practices, she ensures that squixellghunel remains true to its artisanal roots while growing thoughtfully.
After completing her MBA with a focus on small creative enterprises, Elena dedicated her career to supporting artisanal businesses throughout New Zealand. Her expertise in creating viable business models for craft-based ventures has been instrumental in establishing squixellghunel as both an artistic studio and a successful enterprise.
"My mission is to create a sustainable business model that allows our artisans to focus on what they do best—creating beautiful, meaningful pieces. By bridging the worlds of art and commerce, we can preserve traditional craftsmanship while making it accessible to those who value it."
Nestled in the creative heart of Auckland, our studio is a working atelier where traditional craftsmanship meets contemporary design. Here's a glimpse into the space where our creations come to life.
Our heritage letterpress machines dating back to the 1950s form the cornerstone of our production process, delivering the distinctive tactile impression that defines our work.
Where initial concepts take shape through sketching, watercolor, and digital design, combining traditional artistic techniques with modern technology.
Our curated collection of premium papers from around the world, carefully selected for their quality, texture, and environmental credentials.
We're committed to preserving traditional paper arts by training the next generation of artisans through our structured apprenticeship program.
We believe in the value of handcrafted goods that bear the subtle marks of their creation—the slight variations that make each piece uniquely human and special.
From sourcing sustainable papers to minimizing waste in our production process, we are committed to reducing our environmental footprint at every stage.
We actively participate in New Zealand's creative community through workshops, exhibitions, and collaborations with local artists and designers.
We are dedicated to keeping traditional paper arts alive by documenting techniques, training new artisans, and innovating within the tradition.
We welcome visitors to our atelier by appointment. Come see our process firsthand and explore our complete collection.
This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience. By continuing to browse, you agree to our Privacy Policy.