Wood, Water and Energy...a simple recipe that for thousands of years has given inspiration and life to artists and writers work around the world... Paper!I love paper, all kinds of paper! especially paper from a different era with its unique texture, colour and smell.
With a chance discovery of a collection of vintage maps in a dusty attic, my imagination was fired by a mixture of works from Victorian woodcuts to Hans Christian Andersen and my current favourite artist Rob Ryan.
Papercutting as an art form has existed for thousands of years, during which people have been cutting paper, transforming it into art as unique and diverse as their culture, from simple folk art, to elaborate mathematical masterpieces.
For me, the use of recycled vintage materials seemed the perfect way to express a simple story of hope and love, with a material from a golden age of adventure, romance and hope.
I hand cut paper from my own freehand drawings. I love the physical process of cutting into paper with a sharp blade, sometimes scissors, releasing that one off image and design as a result.
There is something very appealing about the immediacy of this medium and the challenge of keeping the entire delicate image intact within the frame of the paper without the whole piece falling apart.
I love the symmetry of the designs and the way it tells a story. You will find that my designs vary from the contemporary to the traditional folky look depending on my mood and inspiration.
The paper I use has its own story, sometimes adding meaning to my paper cut and therefore bringing life into it.
Whether it is the colours, the musical notes, the maps or the place names, I hope there can be something to trigger a connection, joy, memories ...
www.sylviehowitt.com
