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I discovered my love for the art of Scherenschnitte, or paper cutting, completely by accident in 2001 when I began making simple cut paper snowflakes at the winter holidays. A pleasant diversion became an obsession, and my simple designs evolved into a more complex mix of
abstract patterns and identifiable images of everyday life. As a draughtsman and printmaker with a penchant for detail, I developed more refined cutting skills while maintaining the basic circular or "snowflake" form.
One of the aspects I enjoy most is watching people examine my work, first from a distance where they see a more abstract rhythmic pattern, and then up close, where, to their surprise, they might find a scene of a bustling city or a child at play.
The surprise element in my work is not only for the viewer, but for me as well. I do not know exactly what each cut paper design will look like until I unfold it after all the cuts have been made. The repetition of the design creates a rhythm that takes on a life of its own, independent of the identifiable images
within the design. That unexpected element of my work always keeps it fresh and exciting for me. I am always anticipating my next design. |
