Lucrezia B. Bieler — Tallahassee, FL | bieler-beerli.com
To me, the essence of art is its ability to transcend feelings, to create an atmosphere and emotions and to capture the attention of the viewer. To achieve this atmosphere I use a minimalistic approach concentrating on Black and White. I create Scherenschnitte (scissors cuttings) in Black and White because I like to concentrate fully on the composition and the dramatic effect of Light versus Dark. This is also the traditional form of this very old craft that dates back to ancient China. My work is influenced by Swiss "Scherenschnitte", Japanese ink painting (Sumi-e) and woodblock art. It is important to me to capture the spirit of the object and its energy. Scherenschnitte are cut out of a single piece of paper that is then mounted onto white board so that only few places are glued down and most of the image floats over the white board and so heightens the contrast between black and white, I use this deliberately to guide the viewer over the picture.
Jiyoung Chung — Providence, RI | jiyoungchung.com
My interest in the art of ancient Korean Joomchi papermaking techniques have taken me on an exploration of the significance our relationship to each other across cultures and then to our connection with nature and ultimately to God.
Raphaela J. McCormack — Rochester, NY | raphaelamccormack.com
Vessels are my major form. They are one of a kind made from handmade paper. I create colours of lichen, the sky, the ocean and the earth. I build some of my vessels in driftwood and use the paper to form a skin around the wood. I also sculpt the vessels in soft clay, casting the shape in plaster gauze, covering the gauze in handmade paper, made from abaca and cotton pulp. I use fibre, rope, driftwood, stones, seed pods and other detritus. I incorporate weaving and coiling on the vessels, creating interesting shapes. Some of the vessels are created for ceremonies, to hold wishes, poems, vows or ashes. My sailing vessels are inspired by my love of the ocean and the idea of life being a journey we set sail on.
Thomas Meyers — Hancock, NH | thomasmeyersstudio.com
The idea for this paper work comes from the exploration of various types of visual communication, spanning the ancient to modern, such as; cave painting, written language, and calligraphy, maps, and charts. Continuing that tradition, the imagery in my work references these forms of expression and collages a bit history . This work is a combination of collage and drawing. It is made with recycled printed paper, which has been treated to remove the ink. I draw with a knife, and then apply ink washes to reveal those marks and edges. The pieces of paper are arranged, sometimes in layers and also at times woven. Casein paint and or colored pencil is used under the paper and revealed through the holes in the treated paper. All is glued with rice starch paste to a gesso coated watercolor paper. Additional coloring and drawing sometimes occurs after gluing.
Akiko Sugiyama — Ormond Beach, FL
Texture-rich wall-hung assemblages of various hand-colored or painted papers that are given texture and shape.
Chris Wheeler — Austin, TX
My art is a record of the events that take place in my studio. I set myself to work on an idea and almost immediately a tension develops between creativity and restraint. I've found that the most satisfying work is the work in which this tension becomes almost too difficult to resolve. A successful work is that which best reflects the process of creation. My imagery comes from a long-standing commitment to modernist conventions. The simplistic imagery is an attempt to tap into the memories and ideas we all share. I've found my minimalist designs appeal to people on a very basic level. These simple designs may look childlike but never childish and its this simple sophistication which is easily understood by everyone. It takes several weeks to complete a single piece. The paper I use for my collage is handmade or imported from Asia. It is mounted and stretched before being used. My colors come from acrylics, oils, ink, tempera, pastel, watercolors and raw paper.
