Process
Watch the Palace of Versailles appear, in two-dimension. Materials: scalpel, cutting mat, pencil drawing of the Palace of Versailles on cartridge paper (59.4 x 84.1cm)
Papercutting Process
On location
It all begins in pencil. I make several small sketches responding to the place and transform the buildings and plants into two dimensional patterns. I also make a drawing of where the different elements of the composition will sit, and draft some small scale papercuts.
Drawing
Back at my studio, I draw out a pattern - concentrating on keeping it as one sheet of paper – similar to lace. I'll explore various options, before making a draft papercut to see how to best translate it into paper. Finally, I have a drawing to start cutting.
The West Elevation of St Paul's Cathedral, pencil on paper, 29.7 x 42 cm.
Cutting
Then, I take a scalpel to it. The scalpel's smallest mark is the size of a pin prick, to enable a detailed range of shapes. I hold the scalpel like a pencil, so the process has a similar feeling to drawing. I slice away from internal points and corners, trying to keep an even pressure. I tend to work from the middle of the picture, outwards. As the papercut develops, I might consider changing the design - pausing to refer to other sketches. I'm cautious - once paper is removed, it can't be re-added! Since 2022 I have also been using a lasercutter to transform my drawings into papercuts.
Finish
When it is complete the pencil marks are removed and depending on the finish of the papercut it is spray painted. Following this, it is mounted onto coloured or white paper. I use beautiful paper from G. F Smith. Clients chose the colour and can also order the image to be made into products such as limited edition prints, cards, invitations and orders of service for Weddings. To find out more click here.