This next entry in the 100 Untimed Books challenge I’m filing under prompt #30: Paper.
Paper Cutting: Contemporary Artists Timeless Craft, compiled by Laura Heyenga is a delightful journey into the world of contemporary paper cutting.
It begins with a short but interesting history of the art as practiced across the world. It then goes on to showcase the work of 28 contemporary artists. A brief bio of each artist is provided, along with some information about how they work or what influences and inspires them. Then there are numerous photographs of each artist’s work – enough so you really get a sense of their style, their technique, and their very different bodies of work.
Paper cutting has been of interest to me for quite some time and many of the artists are known to me. But there were also a lot of wonderful finds, and of course that’s always fun. Much of the work is mind-bogglingly intricate and complex. I love cuttings that incorporate words and tell stories, and there are many examples of those as well. And there are a number of unexpected demonstrations of just how diverse papercutting can be. Thomas Allen works with the pulp fiction paperbacks of the 40s and 50s and partially cuts out the characters on the covers. Justine Smith does some extraordinary work using paper currency – making both beautiful art while examining social, political and moral issues of money and the power it holds.
Using my floriography, language of flowers, rating system, I’m awarding this collection a bouquet of Centuary Bluebottle (delicacy), Pink Acacia (elegance), and Angelica (inspiration).
I’ll never be a skilled or intricate paper cutter, but I have played around a bit over the years. Many years ago I created a self portrait to accompany a zine interview, and I’ve often used it as an avatar. People often think it’s drawn, but it’s actually a paper cutting.
I must say reading this book has inspired me again and I’ve got all sorts of paper cutting ideas swirling around in my head. Somehow my mind is stuck on how I might construct a set of Matryoshka nesting dolls in the manner of those delightful paper chain people I’m sure we all created as children. Clearly I’ll never tire of playing paper and scissors.
What about you? Ever done any paper cutting? Created a non-photographed self-portrait? Make important decisions using Rock-Paper-Scissors? Reading anything interesting at the moment? Do tell – you know I love to hear.
Adding another book to my to-read list, thanks, Deborah! I am going to a Scrapbook Expo today so I am sure I will see lots of different paper cuttings! Went to a concert with Peter Gabriel and Sting that they called the Rock, Paper, Scissors tour. Right now I am reading a book about Al Jolson that I got at a second hand store with the thought in mind that when I finish reading it I am going to turn it into a junk journal. How’s that for you? Happy Saturday to you. Looking forward to seeing your junk journal with Jamie Ridler’s group!
A plethora of fun things Janet – how wonderful! Have fun at the expo and wishing you a wonderful rest of the weekend as well.
Deborah, you might like books by Rob Ryan – one of my favorite paper cutting artists.
He’s one of the artists featured in the book and a new-to-me discovery. I’m certainly now a fan as well. I’ve had a fabulous time poking around his website. I can’t wait to get hold of some of his books – how can you not love a book entitled “A Sky Full of Kindness”?!
Very cool!
Thanks for sharing.
Your link works great!
Heather
Co-Host, 2017 Blogging from A to Z April Challenge
Thanks for stopping by Heather. I’m looking forward to April and the Blogging from A-to-Z Challenge.
Oh this is great! I have a passion for paper, and have tried scherennschnitte many years ago. Also paper quilling is another fun project. However, right now, I am coffee and tea dying papers to use in my altered book/journals. I love it! Oh, and I did read Griffin and Sabine! Thanks for always inspiring! Aloha!
There can never be too many ways to appreciate paper! I haven’t tea- or coffee-stained paper in quite some time, but just this weekend I did a bit of tissue paper bleeding using Spectra tissue. I got some lovely little bits, and then I was inspired to save the tissue after it dried so I could scrunch it up and make some tiny little flowers. It’s too early for the garden to sprout, but that doesn’t mean I can’t have flowers. 🙂
I checked out my spam folder Deborah – several of your recent posts were there – so I’m really late to the paper party and much else. I’ll catch up – love the idea of scrunching a bit of tissue ..
I’m glad to have been rescued from the spam pile Susan. 🙂