Artistic Explorations: Papercutting (1)

Recently I added a new art medium to my palette; papercutting. During a 4-week workshop run by artist Anna Shirron, I have been working on an A1 sized cartridge paper, carefully cutting out sections with a scalpel knife to create a design. Once I figured out that certain sections shouldn't be cut away to keep the design strong, I really enjoyed the meditative process. The technique is very effective, even with simple designs and the results are striking.

For my design I chose various flowers such as cow parsley and teasels, inspired by printmaker artist Angie Lewin.

Angie Lewin print

Angie Lewin print

This is my papercutting (A1 size) with a black paper as background.

Floral papercut with black paper as background
©Fenfolio2016

Floral papercut close-up ©Fenfolio2016

Floral papercut close-up ©Fenfolio2016

We had so much fun just taking photos of our artwork and using the light source to create various patterns on the wall! I'm already thinking of using this technique to create a new lampshade at home.

Floral papercut silhouette ©Fenfolio2016

After the workshop we put all our work in front of windows as part of the exhibition at Woodend Barn. This was the trickiest bit of all! It really looks fab and we already received a lot of feedback.

Floral papercut displayed in front of window
©Fenfolio2016

Exhibition papercut artwork participants ©Fenfolio2016

Exhibition papercut artwork participants ©Fenfolio2016

Exhibition papercut artwork participants ©Fenfolio2016

Papercut artwork by Elaine Reid ©Fenfolio2016

Papercut artwork by Chloe Wilson ©Fenfolio2016

Papercut artwork by Leslie Stewart©Fenfolio2016

Papercut artwork by Leslie Stewart ©Fenfolio2016

Papercut artwork by Claudia Stumpp ©Fenfolio2016

Papercut artwork by Ellie Rattenbury ©Fenfolio2016

Artistic Explorations: Handmade paper (1)

Before I started my recent painting "Star of Bethlehem" I already used and experimented with various Asian papers. Thick or translucent, bold or delicate textures but all very strong and handmade with natural fibers. These papers are just perfect to use in mixed media work! Here are some examples of paper, similar to what I have bought:

Lokta paper with petals and leaves

Nepali paper; http://nepalhandicraftmarket.com

Unryu paper

 

Paper made from bark:
http://liz-annaslakesidestudio.blogspot.co.uk/2011/08/handmade-paper-dyed-with-wildflowers.html

I started to get interested in the process of how to make paper so I decided to do an intensive workshop Papermaking. It didn't take long before I found artist Alison Simpson based in Sandend (about 1.5 hours drive): http://www.alisonsimpson.net/. In two days I learned all the basics about how to make my own paper in her studio. Cotton and lokta pulp, blender, mould and deckle, lots of water and buckets, a water basin, sponges, cloths, apron, my own hands and a press were the tools I used.

Basic papermaking tools
http://www.kissthegroom.com/2009/09/handmade-paper/

Alison was very patient with me because it took a bit of practice before I got the hang of the right movements! But it paid off; I managed to get some descent papers and even experimented with embossing my handmade paper. Below are my creations. As soon as my art studio is finished I want to continue making more papers by using weeds, leaves and flowers from our own garden!

Paper from cotton pulp with lobelias

Paper from cotton and linen pulp with lobelias

Paper from cotton and linen pulp with lobelia

Lokta paper with dried petals

Embossed paper

Artistic Explorations: Photography, Print and Paint (1)

For a while I have been playing with the idea to combine my photography and painting skills into one art piece. When Jack Tierney Gallery in Cults announced they were looking for new work for their exhibition "Spring", I knew this was the time to actually do it!

"Star of Bethlehem" is a combination of a photograph I took many years ago, then printed off at home onto Unryu paper I bought at a specialist shop, added some stamping underneath the translucent paper and it was all finished off with a brush and acrylics. The MDF board measures 9 x 9 " (about 23 cm). It's currently displayed in the gallery.

I loved working with Asian paper which is delicate but strong at the same time. The possibilities are limitless so I'm looking forward to create new paintings like this, perhaps even with paper I made myself!

Star of Bethlehem ©Fenfolio 2013