Growth Within - Paper Cut

This little piece is another one I didn't post before the opening so that people would see some never-before-seen work.  It is called "Growth Within" and is just 5"x7".  

"Growth Within" by Heather Clements.  5"x7" hand-cut paper.

As you can see, this piece goes very well with another small paper cut, "Pinched."  They look great side by side or with one on top of the other.  They are $175 each, or $300 for both.

There is still one more paper cut that I made before the opening that I haven't posted yet.  It was my pièce de résistance and by far the largest piece, at 30"x40".  I will be posting that one soon, so keep an eye out!

My solo exhibit, "I Cut Paper: Art by Heather Clements" at Studio b. is coming to an end.  I am very happy with how the exhibit went.  The response was very positive, I made several sales, and the display was simply beautiful.  Unfortunately, I couldn't be there on Friday like I was supposed to for 'Meet the Artist' because my car broke down.  The gallery was still open and I hear the day went very well.  The last day of the show is Tuesday, so if you haven't seen it yet be sure to see it while it's still there!

Thank you to EVERYONE who has gone to see my exhibit!

Tree Suit - Paper Cut

Aaaah, paper cutting; a love that could last.  

Here is a new paper cut called "Tree Suit," framed to 11"x14".  I sanded and painted the shadow box white.  This paper cut is floating more than any of the previous ones.  It happened by mistake.  I was setting it into the shadow box (which is 2" deep), when the cut paper fell forward to the glass and the background of blue (hand-painted) stayed back.  I thought, "Hmmm, yes!  This works!" So I created a system so the paper would float way above the background and here it is:

"Tree Suit" by Heather Clements.  11"x14" paper cut.

And yes, it is for sale!  Contact me if you are interested.

Dragonfly Paper Cut

Whew, this one has the most tiny detail yet.  It is framed to just 5"x7".  I counted all those itty bitty teeny tiny little squares that I cut out and there are about 600 total.  600!!!  I hand-painted the frame white, it used to be black.  Here it is:

Here is a process shot.  You can see how small the detail is next to my fingers, which are also quite small.

Update: *SOLD*

In case you can't tell, this piece took a loooong time considering its size.  I believe it took at least 10 hours.

It is for sale, so you can contact me if you are interested.

Also, I got into the Walton Sun!

Roots - Paper Cut

Here is one of the pieces I made before "I Cut Paper" and had not posted yet.

*SOLD* "Roots" by Heather Clements.  11"x14" paper cut.

It is called "Roots" and it is 11"x14".  I love the bold red and green behind the white paper.  I am still so in love with paper cutting!

I am almost done with two new paper cuts.  All that is left is figuring out the framing for them.  I can't wait to share them with you!

Top 10 Reasons to Buy Art

I have been thinking lately about the concept of buying art.  I think a lot of people are afraid to buy art.  I can't tell you how many times I've heard people say something along the lines of, "I've never bought art before!  I'm not sure what I'm doing."  They say this nervously as if they need to take a class on buying something.  Some people think they can't buy art because they aren't rich.  True, not everyone can afford a $2,000 painting, but there is so much art that is affordable.  

People seem to make excuses for most of their purchases.  "Well I NEED a new toaster because my current one does that funny clicky thing"  (When really you're buying it because that toaster is super-cute.)  Replace 'toaster' with any number of items and 'that funny clicky thing' with any number of 'imperfections.'  I think people have the mind-set that art doesn't serve a purpose, so they have no excuse to buy it.  They think it is a luxury, therefore, they shouldn't buy it.  The purpose of owning art is so much greater than owning a toaster.  I'm here today to tell you that you, too, can buy art.  Here is a list of some items I have taken from others, and some I have come up with on my own.

TOP 10 REASONS: WHY BUY ART?

1. Because you will own something that is not only beautiful, but also absolutely unique. No one else in the world has it!

2. Because hanging art in your home and surrounding yourself with images that reflect your taste, define who you are, and resonate deeply for a long time. As with a good book or a great piece of music, your relationship with a work of art can develop and change over the course of a lifetime

3. Because this is the perfect present for someone who already has everything

4. Because you will set yourself apart from the crowd: Most people don’t buy art or only buy posters of famous art instead. Buying artwork from a contemporary artist or craftsperson really sets you apart and shows you have the confidence to know what you like before it’s been sanctioned by museums or some other higher authority

5. Because it is more than time for another renaissance in the arts

6. Because it is a shame that most of the best artists are ignored in their lifetime. Some of the best artists of all times may be alive today

7. Because an original artwork is something that you can cherish and enjoy forever, and your children and grand-children after you

8. Because your dollar is your vote. Show that you support real, hand-made, original things rather than factory-built items that are detrimental to our planet and our society. Wal-Mart doesn't need your business, but an artist does

9. Because this could be an incredibly good investment

10. Because there is no better way to encourage a talented artist


I hope this list was helpful to you. I'm not just posting this to encourage sales of my art, but ANY original artwork! Valentine's Day is coming up, and what could be a better gift than something completely one-of a-kind?

If you have other suggestions of 'Why buy art?' I'd love to hear them!


Last Friday at Studio b. saw a lot of visitors.  I really enjoyed having conversations with everyone about the art.

Here are a few shots of the exhibit from last Friday:

Look in the window and you will see my installation piece!

I will be at Studio b. again this Friday and next Friday from 1-6pm.  Margaret came last Friday and wrote on my Facebook, "Beautiful, amazing and a must see....get in the car and drive to Studio B next Friday and check out the show. It is a must see!"

Bird Secrets II Paper Cut

I still have some paper cuts that I have not yet shared on the blog, or anywhere online.  I kept them a secret until the opening.  I did that so people could see some pieces that they had never even seen images of before.  I will share one piece today.  It is called "Bird Secrets II" and it sold last week.  It was my second largest paper cut at 15"x30".  This piece is a little different from the others.  I zoomed into the figure much closer, and played with shadows and textures.

*SOLD*
"Bird Secrets II" by Heather Clements.  15"x30" paper cut.

This piece may be sold but there are still paper cuts left for sale.  Hurry up and snag one before they're all gone!

WMBB News 13 asked me to be featured on their segment called "Panhandle People" so of course, I said yes!  Anchor Greg Sherrod came to my studio and interviewed me about myself and my art.  It aired this past Sunday night and Monday morning.  They ALSO asked me to come into the station for the Friday morning show last week.  I drew the anchors on air and talked about commissioned portraits as well as my show at Studio b.  It's wonderful to have the media so interested and supportive of my endeavors as an artist!

The News Herald also featured my solo exhibit on the cover of the Local and State section on the Thursday before my opening.  And last Thursday, they featured Studio b., and mentioned my show in the article.  They also used my photos from this very blog!

I spent last Friday at Studio b., working on new paper cuts and talking with visitors about the show.  I will be there every Friday in January from 1-6pm so come on by!

I forgot to bring my camera last Friday to shoot images of the exhibit so I snapped a few quick photos with my laptop.  Here is one of me in front of the wall of paper cuts!

Thank you for reading!

Commissioned Portrait

A father/husband commissioned me to do a portrait of his little girls.  It was to be a gift for his wife, and their mother, for Christmas.  I finished the portrait well before the holidays but couldn't post anything about it until after the surprise.  I hear that she is very happy with it!

Here is a little video of the process.



And here is the final piece.

Do you want to commission a portrait?  Email me and I can send you a simple chart of sizes, media, and prices.

"I Cut Paper: Art by Heather Clements" is currently on view at Studio b. until January 31st.  I will be there every Friday from 1-6pm for 'Meet the Artist and Try a Paper Cut.'  For directions, go here.  I hope to see you there!

After the Opening, and Many Thanks

The opening was wonderful!  I worked so hard for so many months for that night.  Studio b. was packed with people, especially during the Artist Talk and Q&A.  Many people asked very thoughtful questions that I had the pleasure of answering.  The artwork was well received most often by people in awe over the amount of time and patience that was put into each piece.  I think any of us can have patience with something we truly love and are so passionate about.

I wish I had a chance to talk to everyone who came to the opening.  I want everyone who came to know just how much it means to me.  I can't express enough how much I appreciate it.

I have so many people to thank who helped me on the path towards this exhibit.  Here are a few:

• My parents - thank you always.  You have supported me since the beginning and I don't know where I would be without your level of support.  And also thanks for the beautiful plant that surprised me at the opening!
• Studio b. - Colleen.  Thank you for exhibiting my work and having me teach classes since the beginning of Studio b.  I am honored that you would have a solo exhibit of my work at your beautiful gallery space.
• Mat and Madeline - my family.  Thank you for being supportive and putting up with me working while you played and all those tiny paper bits that find their way from the studio into the house.
• Tony Simmons.  You have always been so helpful with promoting my endeavors.  You always made sure the Gallery Above was in the papers, and now that I'm on my own, you are still publishing my efforts.
• Claire Bannerman and 30A Radio.  Thank you for interviewing me on Our Coastal Arts Scene to promote my show.  It is always a pleasure talking with you and live on the radio was no exception.
• Jennifer Jones and WKGC.  Thank you for having me on WKGC twice recently: once to promote my classes, and once to promote my show.
• WMBB News 13.  Thank you to the producers, camera operators, anchors, and everyone else who helped with my interviews on the news.  Thank you for doing a story on the little guy (girl) and her art.
• Carrie.  Thanks for letting me borrow your clothes all the time.  Your closet is like dress-up for me!  And thank you for always coming out to my art events, even though you don't often like to talk to people.
• Joan Vienot.  You have also been a huge part of the b. and my experience there.  Thank you for being an amazing student/teacher and for posting so many things online about me and my artwork.
• Linda MacBeth.  You are a true friend, thank you for being there and for bringing food!
• Mark Burch.  Thank you for the flowers and the support and I wish you could have been there!
• Everyone who has ever bought any of my art!  Too many names to list, but you know who you are.  It means the world to me for you to want to own a piece of my art.
• Every single person who came out to the opening.
• Every single person who will come out to Studio b. during the duration of the exhibit.

I know I'm forgetting some, so I apologize for that.  But really, if you have ever re-posted something about my art or told someone about it or come to an exhibit, then I am forever grateful.

If you missed the opening, do not fret! 

I will be at Studio b. every Friday in January from 1-6pm for 'meet the artist and try a paper cut.'  That's right!  I will have all the supplies necessary for you to try a cut of your own.  It will also be a more quiet environment to talk to me personally about the art.  A few works sold during the opening but there are many that are still for sale.  Be sure to come and bring a friend and snatch up a paper cut before they're all gone.

Enough jibber jabber.  Here's some photos from the opening.

Earlier in the week, working on the large installation.  Photo by Colleen Duffley.