Paper Cut - An Exploration into the Contemporary World of Papercraft Art and Illustration is written by the London-based award-winning* designer, papercraft illustrator and set maker.
It
gives a fascinating history of paper and how it has been used over the
centuries through various cultures right up to the present time and the
current resurgence over the last few years.
The author goes behind-the-scenes of his peers - people
working with paper as their medium to create spectacular visuals in
fabulous 3D from a material so easily considered by many as flat and
two-dimensional! Although working in similar fields, many crossing over
between graphic design, typography, illustration and animation for
music, film and advertising in general, the artworks and technical use
of the materials varies greatly. Using different techniques including
cutting, folding, layering, collage, quilling, to create fantastic
pictures or sets. Some of the artists use bright vibrant colours, others
more muted tones, and some none at all, using the construction of the
pure white paper to add depth and texture using light and shadow.
We get to visit and snoop inside 25 artists' studios - mainly within the UK and Europe, but also as far away as United States and Australia - and find out what inspires them creatively and how they came to fall in love with working with paper!
I recognised many of the pieces of work from seeing them
in magazines, books, videos and some images I had pinned on pinterest
without actually knowing or remembering who they were by, so it was
great to finally put a name and face to the piece, as it were.
There are so many beautiful pages within the book, to include all my favourites, so below is just a few to whet your appetite.
Upside Down House by Kyle Bean
Babushka by Yulia Brodskaya
Paper Shredder by Chrissie Macdonald
Three-Course by Fideli Sundqvist
And here is a short film by one of the
featured artists Helen Friel, which I had watched as inspiration for a
project I was working on with someone a while ago (that was put on hold
when we realised just how long it probably would take us to make
something anywhere near as good as this!)
Paper
Cut is a stunning book visually, with very interesting interviews with
the selected artists that really give you insights into their minds and
their working lives. From their inspiration and motivations, through the
developing of their techniques and skills, to the finished pieces and
beyond.
To Celebrate the launch of the book there is also currently an exhibition of Paper Cut from now until 25th September at The Proud Archivist, Regents Canal, London (nearest tube is Haggerston Overground Station)
There are workshops, talks and Sunday Brunches over the next few weeks, so it sounds like it will be a fantastic opportunity to see the artwork in all its glory and a chance to meet some of the artists in person!
For details of all the exhibition event see the Facebook page: http://on.fb.me/1vxsAuZ
Paper
Cut by Owen Gildersleeve is published by Rockport an imprint of Quarto
Publishing Group and is available from all good bookshops for £20 rrp
However, the very kind people at Quarto Books have given
us a very special offer to share with our lovely readers (yes that's
you!) and so you can get a copy sent to you for just £16 including
p&p! (UK only - overseas need to add £2.50 extra)
You can place your order either by ringing 01903 828503 or email mailorders@lbsltd.co.uk
and quote the offer code APG168
Thanks for reading, if you have any thoughts, feel free to comment below.
Sanna aka Sannapanda
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