Pictures that seem to leap off the wall

Derek Johnson, Kent Messenger, February 1990

When people first see the work of self-styled "paper sculptor" Clive Stevens, they tend to do a double take.

Only a careful look reveals that his creations are an intricate assemblage of folded and cut shaped paper rather than conventional paintings or prints.

Clive has carved out a successful niche as a commercial illustrator since returning from his adopted Canada five years ago.

Now he wants to concentrate more on his own ideas, which means bringing to life in a unique way the richness of Kentish life and land.

He is planning a series of weekend courses next year for those interested in his craft.

The irony is that, while the work is most striking to the naked eye, it is mainly seen in picture form adorning the pages of magazines, brochures or leaflets as part of advertising campaigns.

Clive Stevens found his calling in life almost by chance. He moved to Ontario in Canada in 1969 and studied graphic design at art school. He said: "I did a lot of paper cut-outs, sort of simplified collage, as part of my preliminary work. Then I read about paper sculpture in a magazine. Given the fact that I was always cuting out paper and making various constructions from a young age, I decided to have a go."

"Now I think I'm the only one practising in the British Isles. It was used a great deal in 1920's - 40's for window displays and advertising but it died out as different things like airbrushing and lino cuts became popular."

Because most artists tend to write draw or paint on paper, Clive had to teach himself. He has plied a trade with the top London advertising agencies ever since and now works from his home in the village of West Farleigh, Kent.