Jim Meilander
Handmade Paper, Mixed Media
Printmaking
Active hand papermaking studio with demonstrations, abstract mixed media art featuring handmade paper

Primarily a mixed-media artist, my artwork includes handmade paper, printmaking, collage, painting, drawing, and sculpture. My abstract imagery is a playful, personal synthesis of real and imaginary. I am inspired by my natural and man-made physical surroundings, objects used in work and play, and pure fantasy. For the last few years, I limited my palette to values of black and white. But lately, I’m adding back touches of color. I am currently working on a new series of artwork inspired by realistic imagery such as the forest trees surrounding my studio.
Producing the handmade paper that I incorporate into my mixed-media artwork is an integral part of my creative process. I begin by making sketches. Then I create a painting using a palette of pigmented abaca, cotton paper pulp, and pulp made from plants growing wild in Mendocino County. I find the varying neutral shades obtained from wild plant fibers especially welcoming. Collage elements are then embedded into the work in progress. After the paper has dried, I continue to develop the work using acrylic paints, printmaking techniques, collage, pencils, pens, charcoal, and encaustic. As I work on each piece, I allow for spontaneous images to develop.
In 1984, my wife Joan and I co-founded Submarine Paperworks, a hand papermaking studio, at Hunters Point Naval Shipyard in San Francisco. After moving to Gualala in 2000, we re-established the papermaking studio on our property. I have an active role in operating Submarine Paperworks that includes designing and fabricating the equipment such as molds and deckles, deckle boxes, a hydraulic platen press, and a vacuum table. I recently restored a 1966 Voith Valley (Hollander) beater.
Active Member: North American Hand Papermakers
Education: BS in Art Education. Ohio University, Athens, OH
Recent Awards from Gualala Arts:
Best Collage at Gualala Salon (2021)
Third Place in Prints & Graphics at Art in the Redwoods (2021)
Best of Show in Putting It All Together: Collage and Assemblage (2018)
First Place in Printmaking at Art in the Redwoods (2015)
First Place in Collage & Mixed-Media at Art in the Redwoods (2012, 2008)
Recent Exhibitions:
Joan Rhine & Jim Meilander Together: Individual & Collaborative Art at Coast Highway Art Collective, Point Arena
The Art of Paper at Art Center Ukiah
Expressions in Handmade Paper 3 at the Morris Graves Museum of Art, Eureka




Directions to Studio #18 at 46400 Bourns Gulch Road.
From Highway 1 at mile marker 2.81, turn east on Glennen for .18 mile, turn right on Bourns Gulch Road, go .5 mile uphill, turn left at driveway marked "Entrance."
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Studio Tour Hours:
August 26 & 27 September 2-4
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Also my studio is open year-round by appointment.
No Pets Please