by ruralpearl | Sep 1, 2012 | News & Events
Today I facilitated a paper cutting workshop at the Lawrence (Kansas) Public Library in conjunction with the Read Across Lawrence program. The workshop was inspired by the cover art of the featured RAL book “Cabinet of Wonders”. The turnout was great: 56 kids came and all actively participated.
My ultimate goal was to introduce them to simple paper cutting techniques and so I had them do three short projects based on characters or elements within the book.
The first was a bi-fold paper cutting based on the tin spider character, Astrophil, and inspired by chinese and german paper cutting. Since we were using scissors instead of x-acto knives, I stressed the importance of using their non-cutting hands to turn the paper rather than try to turn the scissors around the curves. This exercise introduced them to paper cutting in its simplest form and how you can achieve symmetry simply by using the fold.
The second project was a fox shadow puppet. I spoke very briefly on the history of shadow puppets out of Indonesia, and also how I started cutting paper using similar puppets for animation. I wanted them to see how to make a silhouette of a recognizable object as well as how it can have moving parts to bring it to ‘life’. The tail of the fox was hinged.
The third project was inspired by the astronomical clock that the main character’s father built in Cabinet of Wonders, as well as Polish paper cutting where several different colors of paper are layered on top of each other. Rather than give them a template for the cut out designs within the circles (which I did for the first project), I let them come up with their own designs by cutting shapes into tri-folded circles. Lots of different, unique results came out of it.
Many thanks to all the parents and kids who came and participated. My biggest hope is that they enjoyed themselves. And since paper cutting came to me so serendipitously, I always keep in the back of my mind that this little bit of exposure just might spark something greater in one of them. We’ll see.. Til next time.
by ruralpearl | Aug 29, 2012 | News & Events
I’m in the thick of getting greeting cards & all sizes of prints printed.. and continually realizing as I go that the quantity of supplies I have on hand are inadequate. Lots of ordering going on. But I’m excited to have lots of new prints and cards coming out.
I probably won’t have very many brand new original paper cuttings for a couple weeks since I’m getting stocked up with the aforementioned printed goods for my next two shows. I’m heading down to Wichita on Sunday to pick up all my originals from Bella Luz where they are currently on display. Check’em out if you’re there before I get there.
Saturday, I’m doing a paper cutting workshop at the Lawrence Public Library based around the cover art on the book “The Cabinet of Wonders” for the Read Across Lawrence program. So far, I’ve got 46 kids signed on (HOLY MOLY! That’s awesome..), so go register if you’re interested (I’m sure adults are welcome too – it’s ages 8 and up)– there’s room for more, or just show up on Saturday at 1:30. Til next time..
by ruralpearl | Aug 28, 2012 | News & Events
I’ve been printing cards all day long.. I’m swapping seven of my large cards out of what has been my regular lineup for the last year or so to start partially fresh for the fall season (I have thirteen designs available in the large cards at art shows). These will also be available in my Etsy shop very soon where you can find all my previous cards as well. (Pardon the poorly lit iphone pic. It’s late..). Here are the titles of the designs on the new cards:
1. Waiting by Lamplight
2. Listen to the Rain
3. Ursa Major
4. Sun Worship
5. Cat & Mouse Games
6. Night Class
7. Hooting Hatters
by ruralpearl | Aug 23, 2012 | News & Events
This really gets my mind bending about making permanent public art, something that I’ve thought about here and there.. I’ve got some ideas, but it would take some serious research and networking (and work) to make them materialize. Might be worth a try? Thinking three dimensional layering, strategic lighting, encasement, maybe some interactivity.. I feel like this is a way I can incorporate the more technical things I was working with at NYU into my paper cutting work.. It would certainly be much (like 100x) more involved that what I do now. Anyway, for other artists interested in creating public art out there, here’s the business: http://www.lawrence.lib.ks.us/2012/08/public-art-commission/
by ruralpearl | Aug 21, 2012 | News & Events
I’m warming up my printers and getting a few orders out today before I start going full blast on getting new stock ready for my fall run of shows (and to restock my vendors – major printing endeavors ahead).. This year’s show schedule won’t be as intense as last year – I’m not doing the Plaza Art Fair nor am I going to Artclectic in Nashville (sorry to be missing both!) but I’ve got a couple new smaller shows in the mix, plus it’ll give me some time to work on some other, longer term projects that I’ve had my mind on. But for now, a bunch of new, not yet released cards & prints coming very soon!
by ruralpearl | Aug 15, 2012 | News & Events
I just updated my “Originals For Sale“ page with current prices. (Scroll down past the images to see a corresponding list of titles and information). Most of the works that don’t indicate being in a gallery or part of an exhibit are at Bella Luz in Wichita until the end of the month. If you have any questions, contact me through the form or email me.
by ruralpearl | Aug 7, 2012 | Inspiration, News & Events
As long as the weather permits, I think having a cup of mint tea in the morning sun on my deck will be a regular ritual. It’s a good time to make sure I’m as unwound as can be before I hit my workroom and start winding the other way.
August, I’ll admit, is sort of my month to let my brain flatline work-wise after an intense summer of work preparing for and going to shows (although, I have plenty to do.. sorry if you still haven’t gotten my email response! I’m slowly but surely making my way back in my inbox). I’ve been trying to do a lot of reading & thinking & just sitting still.. Gotta stay balanced, stay in the now, keep it fresh for new ideas, keep believing, etc.. Plus keep up with work stuff at the same time. I’ll be restocking all of my retailers in the coming week or so — I’m printing up a whole new batch of cards & prints this week. Also finishing up a few commissions inspired by previous works that I’ve sold. My “Shelter Each Other” design will be coming out soon as part of a series of tote bags in Germany/ Europe through Bizarr Verlag, who also licensed my works for a series of postcards. More info on that when I’ve got it (I’ll have some for sale too). Til next time..
by ruralpearl | Aug 5, 2012 | News & Events
From the Lawrence Public Library website:
Saturday, September 1st, 1:30 – 2:30 PM in the Library Auditorium, for ages 8 & up.
Get crafty with local cut-paper artist Angie Pickman in an art workshop inspired by The Cabinet of Wonders cover art by David Frankland. The Cabinet of Wonders by Marie Rutkoski is the Read Across Lawrence for Kids selection. Registration Requested.
by ruralpearl | Jul 24, 2012 | News & Events
I’ll be sending a bunch of original paper cuttings and prints & cards midweek to Bella Luz in Wichita, KS, for this weekend’s Final Friday Art Walk. The work will be displayed through the month of August. I won’t be able to make it down Friday for the event, but I’ll surely drop in at some point. Bella Luz is located at 300 North Mead Street #105.
by ruralpearl | Jun 17, 2012 | News & Events
Beatrice Coron presenting at the Topeka Public Library. Image (c) Alice Sabatini Art Gallery.
My work hanging alongside that of Beatrice Coron and Nikki McClure
My 'work in progress' on display at the Alice Sabatini Art Gallery at the Topeka Public Library.
I had the pleasure of attending Beatrice Coron’s talk and meeting her afterwards at the Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library. Her presentation was part of the “A Cut Above” exhibit at the Alice Sabatini Art Gallery inside the library featuring the work of Beatrice, myself, Nikki McClure, Cindy Ferguson, and Clay Rice. I had seen Beatrice’s work back in 2005 in an exhibit at the Brooklyn Public Library as well as on the NYC Subways when I lived there. She has done so much amazing personal and public work.
One of the things that she talked about was how she found a correlation between running and paper cutting. She runs a lot — marathons, ultra-marathons, and she said it helps her with making large paper cuttings as they are like marathons in themselves (she often works large scale – measuring in feet rather than inches). This especially caught my attention because I had just been discussing with a friend the day before that the more I run, the more paper cutting I seem to be able to do (although, I’m good with three miles.. an ultra-marathon –50 miles?– would kill me off). Check out her TED talk HERE and her website HERE.
