My 'winter work' is a continuation of an
ancient folkart tradition that is practiced throughout the world. Paper cutting allows me to combine my innate love
of repeated pattern and intricate work with my passion for nature and gardening. My hand cut tissue paper cuts are similar
to traditional paper snowflakes with the exception that all of the shapes within the designs are interlocking images of insects,
anumals and trees.
My earliest influences must have
come from a fondness for my "Spirograph" drawing set, from MC Escher, from the textile designs of the Arts and Crafts movement
and from my exploration into lace crochet work. All of these emphasize repeated, intricate design. In 1992
I developed large puzzles in which all of the pieces were referential images which intelocked. Similarly the interconnection
and interdependency of the elements of my paper-cut designs are now of endless fascination to me. Each of the cut figures
must touch another. Simultaneously the negative space created by these connections is as important to the abstract quality
of the design as the referential images are to its' charm. Because the folded tissue paper is individually cut (free-hand)
with small scissors, the result is by nature serendipitous. I am always eager to see the resulting product when the
cut paper is finally unfolded.
It is amazing how the skills and
interests that one gathers along the way eventually become in some way influential and useful tools. I expect my WINTERWORK
designs to continue to evolve as the rest of my life and work 'unfolds'!
