The HeART of Papercuts

Closing out the week with more silhouettes...silhouettes on steroids.  Multimedia artist, Elsa Mora, transforms paper into art.  Her designs are intricate, delicate and produced with only her creativity and an X-Acto knife.  In her own words...

"You know how sometimes we just want things to get done immediately, instantly, and we get frustrated with the very idea of having to wait for things to happen but the reality is that in life everything happens gradually. I can tell you that by cutting out the many little pieces of paper in an intricate design I get to challenge myself to be patient and to keep going one cut at a time until the work is finished."

Some of her amazing work below

All images from the blog

The Heart of Papercuts

Some of her work available via her

Etsy shop

I spy

Spotted this elegant large scale drawing (charcoal on paper) at Lulus...a fun and always hip local shop.

Artist:  Jen Graham, a recent Coker College graduate

More silhouettes~with a twist

Artist Olly Moss, an illustrator and graphic designer, creates the most exquisite silhouettes.

Silhouettes created in the traditional way but take a closer look, you may recognize these profiles.  Some of his work, enjoy.

Toy Story

Karate Kid

Margot-The Royal Tenenbaums

Watch the hanging of his recent show, illustrating his enormous body of work.  Industrious to say the least!

Olly Moss Art Show @ Gallery 1988 from Threadless.com on Vimeo.

To learn more:  http://www.moss.fm/

Silhouette

An early silhouette
Source:  http://cool.conservation-us.org

Modern silhouettes
Source:  www.theselby.com
Sally Singer at Home in NYC

The silhouette artform began in mid 18th century France and is believed to have acquired its name from early silhouette artist Eteinne De Silhouette.  The artform eventually migrated to America where it has remained popular for "it's uniqueness, charm, and artistic quality."

Enter a well-appointed southern home and you are likely to see a silhouette...and it is even more likely that it was created by Carew Rice, hailed by Poet Carl Sandburg as "America's Greatest Silhouettist."  His grandson, Clay Rice, is an equally talented silhouette artist (as well as author) creating silhouettes for a new generation.  Both grandfather and grandson have depicted a variety of subjects...including portraiture and scenes of their native south.

More information can be found on the Rice Galleries website.

Carew Rice
Source:  www.ricegalleries.com

Great Blue Heron in Cypress-Clay Rice
Source:  www.ricegalleries.com

My husband was about the same age as our oldest daughter, Caroline, when Carew Rice cut his silhouette.  So I was thrilled when Clay recently came to town so she could sit for him.  "Sit" is a relative term...despite her squirming, Clay was able to capture her likeness.

Father and daughter

Carew Rice 1966 ~ Clay Rice 2011

Thank you Burry Bookstore for hosting Clay Rice

Allegory of Night

My latest treasure finally arrived on my doorstep!  By way of Treillage, a favorite shop in NYC.

This terracotto plaque based on Bertel Throvaldsen's work (a Danish sculptor who spent most of his life in Italy 1789-1838) expresses so well that time of early evening that I love so much. The day is almost done, the house is beginning to quiet and there are sleepy babies on my shoulders.  

Hung in the foyer along the path I take every night as we head to bed.  It's my memento of this special time.

Mr. Webb...who would rather be

climbing a deer stand this time of year than a step stool.

Good night.

Art In Situ-Part II

A gift from my sister upon my college graduation as I was preparing to move to Augusta, Georgia for graduate school.

*click images for a larger view

Guest Bath

An antique hand-tinted engraving of Augusta as seen from "the hill" section of town.

A mixed media piece created by two dear artists friends, Cheryl and Arnel Reynon.  Presented to my husband and me as a wedding gift.  Currently hanging in my daughter's room in hopes that she will be inspired to appreciate art as well.  If the house ever catches on fire, will be one of the first items I grab!

Caroline's Room

Psalm 36:7-Cheryl and Arnel Reynon

Many years ago, I babysat the young children of then local artist Mary Grayson Segars.  After putting her boys to sleep I would admiringly flip through her sketch book.  She now lives in Beaufort, SC so I was thrilled she returned to town for a show at our local arts council a few years ago at which time I was able to acquire one of her paintings.

Family Room

An antique anatomical engraving found in a scientific bookshop in Georgetown, DC

Studio

And now, one of my favorites...nestled among the oatmeal and graham crackers.

Kitchen

Created by Caroline Webb

Art In Situ-Part I

Image:  www.mikeyburton.com

Do you live with art?  Upon entering a home, I'm always interested in seeing how the art is arranged, presented and displayed.  While I enjoy browsing museums, galleries and even the internet I love to see art in-situ within one's home...an intimate and non-intimidating environment.  The story behind each acquisition can be as interesting as the piece itself...unless you're told "I just needed something above my sofa."

Art is such an integral part of interior design.  One of my favorite designers, Amelia Handegan, once said that her approach to decorating her own house is to have an adequate place to display her art collection.

My collection is in its infancy.  A mix of my own work (it's free after all), gifts and a few purchases.  In situ...with their stories.

*click to enlarge images

Foyer

Not necessary art, but rather a special treasure that I had framed.  A poem written by my Great Great Grandfather, Captain John R. Parker, while courting his wife Judith Ann Gibson. 

Living room mantle

A photograph I took (circa 1995) of a historic graveyard in Athens, Georgia located behind Sanford Stadium (another "graveyard" of sorts.) 

Graveyard, Athens Georgia-Jennifer C. Webb

Living Room

A figure study from my college years...during my first (nude) figure drawing class.  I love how the paper has oxidized to a soft ochre.

Figure Study-Jennifer C. Webb

Living Room

My first real art acquisition.  Acquired from my former professor, David Mascaro.  David is a well known and successful medical illustrator and truly one of the best professors of my academic life.  He has been equally successful in his retirement while painting and managing his own gallery in Augusta, Georgia.

David Mascaro

Lowcountry scene given to me by three dear and life-long friends as a wedding gift while at dinner in Charleston, SC... a memorable evening.

Heron-oil on canvas

Hidden behind the ivy jungle is a painting my parents thoughtfully brought back from Italy a few summers ago.  It should be more artfully displayed...but it's "artfully" disguising a blemish in my mirror frame.

Dining Room

Venice-watercolor

Ciao! More to come in Part II, stay tuned...

This is why I have a job

Occasionally, clients will send references...a photo, x-rays or even a quick scribble.   Client demonstrating hemodialysis catheter on a teddy bear...a first.

Medical Illustrator?

Caroline has entered what I'm calling her "crazy people portraits" phase.  Draws these faces over and over...and always with huge eyes.

And now this:

Me:  "Caroline, I like those eyes"

Caroline:  "not eyes, they are boobies"

A little medical illustrator in the making!