paper cuts [but not the painful kind]

This new paper cut book is definitely on my wish list. More pics inside here on a little hut in case you're interested. And on the subject of paper cut goodness have a look at what printmaker Bridget Farmer is cutting - a flock of doves for her wedding decorations. I'm not much of a fan of weddings (yep, I've said it, don't yell at me) but if you have to have one then a flock of paper doves is a must, no?

My favourite paper cut artist, Beatrice Coron, has some beautiful new work happening on her website. Go be inspired. I'm really enjoying her paper cuts of city scapes in white on white.

On other cutting news, I'm off to cut lino blocks. A whole different cutting experience. But still very therapeutic.

papercut artists

The Red Thread has been posting some great links to gorgeous papercut artists recently and I had to put my own 2 cents worth in about their amazing talent and share one of those links in case you missed it. Elista Mora's papercuts really caught my eye (2 pics immediately below). And I can't recall where I recently heard about Bovey Lee's work (pic above) but it's so intricate and beautiful it makes me want to cry. Just look at that detail! Think of the hours she must put into making her creations.

And then I just stumbled upon this site which seems to be a collection of papercut artists connected to the very talented Beatrice Coron (pic below). How wonderful!

PS. more paper cut loveliness here on ii ne kore.

paper cuts

I'm hoping to do more work involving paper cuts this year. I made this one a while ago and while I like the 3D effect of it I think I might try working with flatter pieces. The one pictured above is quite small and is something I was playing with the other day. Dragonflies really lend themselves to paper cuts because of all the fragile pieces and those delicate wings. There are some gorgeous paper cut groups on flickr worth checking out if you're a devotee of this art form. Look at this wonderful garden paper cut by Vegas Lammy (Suzy Taylor) for starters:

lazy days

I'm not getting much printmaking done but I am walking a lot down at the creek and taking photos of plants and flowers and things that inspire (these photos are of flowering succulents from my garden but taken from underneath). I still feel quite lazy with the holiday break and am not doing a whole lot except recharging the batteries in a very pleasant unproductive kind of way. But tomorrow might even be picnic-worthy weather so that would be something.

I saw a wonderful film yesterday - Vicky Christina Barcelona - a new one directed by Woody Allen. If you knew how much Woody has annoyed me over the years with his films you might find it a little surprising that I really enjoyed this one. What's not to love about Barcelona? Beautiful city! Makes me want to go back there right this minute except it's winter in the northern hemisphere and all my fond memories of Spain are summer ones. I loved Penelope Cruz in this too - she makes a very good crazy Spanish painter. So Woody you have redeemed yourself for the moment. Keep making films like this and Match Point and I'll consider becoming a fan.

For paper cut devotees take a look at this sweet little animation found through Heather's blog, skinny laminx. The work involved in making something like this is just astounding.

nikki mcclure

Goodbye New York. It's sad to leave but oh what a great time I've had!

Another great find of mine through Renegade (and being in the USA generally) has been the paper cuts and illustrations of American artist Nikki McClure. She makes exquisitely detailed paper cuts using black paper about domestic scenes or images of nature. Also, people tell me her annual calendar is one to watch out for. I was in a tiny shop in Brooklyn a few days ago and was lucky enough to see some of her cards. Absolutely gorgeous. Here's hoping I can snap up one of her calendars later in the year.