The Circle

Oops, it's been a month again since I blogged.  A few things that happened:

I won a $100 Merit Award for my piece "Emerge" at the Bay Annual at the Visual Arts Center of Northwest Florida!

I had two of my drawing/papercuts published in the GAP Annual.  (Guild of American Papercutters)  I was so honored to be included, and to be featured next to paper cutters that I've admired was amazing!

I created these two paper cut landscape commissions for a client in Virginia:

I drew a commissioned portrait of two pastors from their wedding photo from many years ago.  It was a gift from their church.  (And I did it from a very blurry photo!)

And last, but hopefully not least, I've combined my art with my hooping.  I've been hoop dancing for over 5 months, and it has brought me so much joy, with an added bonus of great exercise!  So I've made some little ink, watercolor, and paper cut pieces.  I've put all of them for sale on my Etsy:  www.etsy.com/shop/HeatherClementsArt

*SOLD

Green Tip #21:  Thoughtful gift-giving.  The holidays are coming, so make thoughtful choices on the items you buy, and how much you buy.  The mass hysteria from Black Friday sends shivers down my spine.  Consumerism is at such a high that people are willing to literally trample one another for a sale on some item possibly made by children at slave wages on the other side of the planet.  An item that will not bring anybody real happiness.  Because of the rough economy, the stress of buying gifts, and the over-consumerism of it all, many families have opted to have gift-free holidays.  They have expressed how wonderful it was not to stress about what to get who, and how much money they have to spend to do so.  They enjoyed gathering with loved ones and sharing experiences and food.  If you do want to give gifts, make wise choices.  Know where it was made, and what it's made of.  Or make gifts.  I make gifts all the time and people appreciate a hand-made gift SO much more than a store-bought one.  With the internet you can look up ideas on what to make and instructions on how to make it.

Thank you blog-visitors!!!

-Heather

Merge: Charcoal + Cut Paper

The idea for the medium of this piece came from a small mistake.  I was editing "Embrace" in Photoshop.  It's a graphite drawing combined with a white paper cut.  I accidentally hit the key command to invert the image (so black became white and white became black.)  All of a sudden it looked like a white chalk drawing on black paper, with a black paper cut on top.  BAM, idea hatched.

I first drew with white chalk on black paper in high school, and fell in love instantly.  For those of you who don't know much about drawing, drawing with white on top of black is like drawing in reverse.  Instead of marking where the darker areas are, you mark where the light is.

So here is what I ended up with:

"Merge" 16"x20", chalk and charcoal on black paper, hand-cut paper, by Heather Clements, 2013.

"Merge" (detail) 16"x20", chalk and charcoal on black paper, hand-cut paper, by Heather Clements, 2013.

"Merge" (detail) 16"x20", chalk and charcoal on black paper, hand-cut paper, by Heather Clements, 2013.

"Merge" (detail) 16"x20", chalk and charcoal on black paper, hand-cut paper, by Heather Clements, 2013.

Here was the drawing before I added the paper cut:

Then I created a paper cut layer that I ended up not using.  It was too bold and thick.  It completely flattened the arms and hands, obscuring the individual fingers.  So I decided to scrap that paper cut and create another one with finer lines and more detail.  I am so glad I did, because with the new paper cut the hands kept their depth and the finer lines worked so much better on top of the drawing.  Below you'll see the first version on the left, and the second and final one on the right.

BEFORE

AFTER

MUCH better, right?

In other news, I broke 500 likes on my Facebook page!  Woohoo!  Thank you to all who have liked my page!


Inspiration Source #20: THIS:

Thank you, people of the internet, for spending some time here with me on my art blog.

-Heather

"Embrace II" and the Steps to Make It

This new piece experienced quite an evolution.  At first, it was just going to be like the previous piece, with a paper cut on top of a drawing.  But this piece wanted something a little different.

Let me walk you through it, step by step.

Step 1: sketch ideas that come from the magical and elusive land of creativity
Step 2: choose favorite idea
Step 3: photograph my lovely friend, Carrie, for reference photos
Step 4: have husband, Mat, help by holding the light aimed at Carrie
Step 5: fire Mat, he's been deemed the worst studio assistant ever
Step 6: manage to get a good photo anyway
Step 7: upload photos, and look through them over and over
Step 8: choose best photo to work from
Step 9: edit photo in a way that makes it a good drawing reference
Step 10: alter sketch based on photo
Step 11: draw!

Step 12: draw more!

Step 13: realize the hand needs to overlap the paper cut, oh no, what do I do???

Step 14: grow a pair, cut out drawing

Step 15: trace drawing!

Step 16: draw really hard over the lines on the tracing paper

Step 17: turn tracing paper over on top of new piece of paper, rub pencil onto new piece

Step 18: sketch outlines of paper cut layer

Step 19: cut out paper

Step 20: place cut paper on top of drawing

Step 21: realize the cut paper area over the body is too blank, oh no, what do I do???
Step 22: grow a pair, decide to draw plant-like texture on cut paper layer
Step 23: put it all together on top of another blank piece of paper!
Step 24: finishing touches
Step 25: photograph piece, including detail shots
Step 26: edit photos, save in a variety of sizes for a variety of purposes
Step 27: write blog about it
Step 28: create an elaborate list of steps of how I created this piece
Step 29: write step 29 without knowing what to write
Step 30: all done!

So this piece is more 3-dimensional, and is drawing on top of paper cut on top of drawing on top of blank paper.  And here's the final piece:

"Embrace II" graphite, hand-cut paper, 22"x28", by Heather Clements, 2013.

"Embrace II" (detail) graphite, hand-cut paper, 22"x28", by Heather Clements, 2013.

"Embrace II" (detail) graphite, hand-cut paper, 22"x28", by Heather Clements, 2013.

 Green Tip:  CARE.  I don't know what the beginning of the trend of "too cool to care" was, but I think it's finally on its way out.  Apathy's reign on our culture is dying out.  Apathy exacerbates so many problems in so many ways.  People sit idly by while their Earth is being destroyed, their fellow humans are being mistreated or killed, and even while they themselves are being used and abused in the name of "progress."  But now I think, partially because we are reaching a boiling point, and partially thanks to the internet, people are starting to care again.  Nothing will ever change for the better if you don't care.  Nothing.  Caring is a double-edged sword, because it brings moments of joy and pain.  But I will take joy and pain and change for the better over apathy any day.



Thank you so much for coming to my little blog world for a few moments.  I care!

-Heather

"Embrace"

I'm totally digging this combination of drawing and paper cutting.  The two mediums together create a whole new area for exploration.  I can't wait to play around more with the marriage of these approaches.  But I'm getting ahead of myself.  I just finished a new piece!

I started out with a super-quick little rough sketch, just to get the vision from my head onto a piece of paper, so that it couldn't float away never to be imagined again.  Then I decided I definitely needed a model, and my good friend Carrie makes a great model.  She even did her hair just like I asked her to. :o)

Then, I drew.

Then, I cut paper.

Then, I combined the two.

That's the shortened version, of course.  To get a better idea of how it all happened, check out this little video of progress stills.




And here's the images of the final piece:

"Embrace" graphite, hand-cut paper, 22"x28", by Heather Clements, 2013.

"Embrace" (detail) graphite, hand-cut paper, 22"x28", by Heather Clements, 2013.

"Embrace" (detail) graphite, hand-cut paper, 22"x28", by Heather Clements, 2013.

"Embrace" (detail) graphite, hand-cut paper, 22"x28", by Heather Clements, 2013.

Stay tuned for more art combining drawing and cut paper!

Inspiration Source #19:  Ring-o-graphy by Alexandra Savina.  For about a month I have been playing around with a new hobby:  hoop dancing.  You probably have no idea what that is, and unlucky for you, I'm not even going to post a video of that.  ((But dude, just google it if you're curious.))  Today I wanted to share a video of a dancer with some hoops.  Again, what she is doing is in a whole different realm from hoop dancing.  But it is just so phenomenal and beautiful I had to share.  You'd never believe rolling hula hoops on the floor could be so unique and enthralling.  My words pale so much in comparison, so just watch the video, you won't regret it!

Thank you for visiting!  If you liked what you saw, share it!

-Heather

Veil - A Paper Cut AND a Drawing!

That's right, folks.  I decided to combine good 'ol fashioned drawing with cutting paper.  Of course, drawing has always been involved with the process of paper cutting, but the final product's image only consisted of cut paper.  I decided I wanted to experiment with including pencil drawing.  I think the combination of mediums further explores the dichotomy or union between humans and nature.

This has definitely been one of those things where you finally figure out how best to do it when you're about finished.  But that means the next one will be that much easier!

Okay, okay, I know, you didn't come here to read that much, you just came for the pretty art... So here you go!

"Veil" hand-cut paper, drawing, 11"x14", by Heather Clements, 2013

"Veil" (detail) hand-cut paper, drawing, 11"x14", by Heather Clements, 2013

"Veil" (detail) hand-cut paper, drawing, 11"x14", by Heather Clements, 2013

As you can see, the paper cut is floating about 1/4" above the drawing for some lovely shadow action.

Aaaaand I made a process video!  I finally got myself a tripod with some birthday money, so I was able to play around with that for a new video.  I only included some of the process to keep from boring you. The clips shown are fast forwarded 20 times faster than real time!

Green Tip #18:  Choose your sunscreen carefully.  Sunscreen is definitely important for protecting your skin (although sun-proof clothes are even better!) but there can be serious damage to the environment, and your health, depending on which sunscreen you choose.  Read more about it at EarthShare.



Thank you for stopping by!  Now maybe show me some love by commenting, 'following' me (by clicking that 'join this site' button on the left,) or by liking my Facebook page!  Every like, comment, and follow is super appreciated!


-Heather

Sparks-Bautista Family Tree

When the opportunity to do a commissioned family tree came about, I instantly suggested a paper cut family tree.  I'm so glad I did.  I have been really excited about creating this piece for quite a while.  Not only was I looking forward to the challenge of turning this new subject into a paper cut, but I felt honored to be chosen to create something so meaningful for a family.  After many sketches and ideas, then a lot more sketching and a lot more cutting, the final piece is complete!  I'm super happy with how it turned out, and I can't wait for the family (in Arizona) to see it in person.

Enough of this cheap talk, let's get to the juicy images:

"Sparks-Bautista Family Tree" hand-cut paper, 20"x24", by Heather Clements, 2013

"Sparks-Bautista Family Tree" (detail)  hand-cut paper, 20"x24", by Heather Clements, 2013

"Sparks-Bautista Family Tree" (detail)  hand-cut paper, 20"x24", by Heather Clements, 2013

"Sparks-Bautista Family Tree" (detail)  hand-cut paper, 20"x24", by Heather Clements, 2013

"Sparks-Bautista Family Tree" (detail)  hand-cut paper, 20"x24", by Heather Clements, 2013

"Sparks-Bautista Family Tree" (detail)  hand-cut paper, 20"x24", by Heather Clements, 2013

Some images of the progress....

Paper cut family tree progress, by Heather Clements

Paper cut family tree progress, by Heather Clements

The finished piece from the back:

Paper cut family tree progress, by Heather Clements

It would be really awesome to do more commissioned family tree paper cuts, so please contact me if you would be interested in one!



Inspiration Source #18:  Land Art by Cornelia Konrads.  I've always been drawn to land art, especially the amazing Andy Goldsworthy.  It's no surprise that I would feel a connection with art created with and among nature.  The gravity-defying works of Cornelia Konrads is definitely worth a peek.  Check some out here.

As always, I thank you for your time to give my blog a little visit.

-Heather

WHY ART? & Video of my Artist Talk

I believe in art.  I believe we all deserve beauty, meaning, and something deeper than the "necessities" for daily life.  Some people think they can't rationalize owning art in the same way they can rationalize owning a new toaster or a new sweater.  You can tell yourself you need to eat and you need clothing, but do you need art?  Gee, do you need inspiration and beauty?  Do you need to think and feel something more than what our society screams at us through memes, entertainment, and advertisements?  Do you need happiness?  I think you do.  I believe we all deserve art in our lives, whatever that may mean to each of us personally.

I am not saying this to try to make sales.  I say this to lift the stigma that you cannot enjoy art; music, film, literature, dance, the fine arts, and more.  It's more than okay to let yourself bask in the gloriousness that so many creatives have offered us.  I'm giving you the okay.  Feed your soul with what it needs, something so much more than a new sweater that you have rationalized as a need, but really it's a want.  And it's a want for the novelty of something that will fade.  But to give yourself the experience of art, is a lasting fulfillment.  Start paying attention to the things that truly enrich your life.  Support those who fight for beauty, and allow yourself to experience the beauty as well.

Again, this is not a rant to make you want to buy my art...  HOWEVER, if you have wanted to, but felt some silly mysterious guilt for buying art, now I'm giving you permission to feel no guilt!  It's great for me to sell a piece of art, because what I get is money, which helps me to make my living.  But money comes and goes.  When you buy a piece of art, you get ART.  And I do love it when my art goes to a good home.  It's a win-win.

More on the subject of 'why art?' I give you a video of my artist talk from March at the Bay County Public Library during my exhibit, "Cut It Out: Paper Cut Art by Heather Clements."

I give a short history of the conceptual side of my art, along with research and ideas behind my current themes.  A special thank you to the Public Eye for creating this beautifully shot and edited video!  I hope you enjoy it!

Green Tip #16:  Spend your leisure time in nature.  Awesome fun activities that you can do with little or no harm to the environment:

• Go to the beach
• Go on a bike ride.  Short ride, or all day, they're all great.
• Go for a walk
• Spend time in or on the water: swimming, canoeing, kayaking, paddle boarding, tubing, down rivers, in lakes, bays, and the ocean
• Go camping
• Go hiking
• Go for a picnic
• Go to state and national parks

These are just a few off the top of my head.  Other perks: gaining new admiration for the natural world, little to no financial cost, healthy for mind and body! 

Thank you so much for letting me share my thoughts and art with you.

-Heather

"Cut It Out" Images and "Symbiosis" Paper Cut

Well, my solo exhibit at the library has come down.  I am so grateful to everyone who came out to see the show.  I am grateful to Bettina Mead, Robin Shader, and everyone at the Bay County Public Library for welcoming me and my art.

Here are some images from the show:

"Cut It Out: Paper Cut Art by Heather Clements" at the Bay County Public Library, Panama City, FL.  March, 2013

"Cut It Out: Paper Cut Art by Heather Clements" at the Bay County Public Library, Panama City, FL.  March, 2013

"Cut It Out: Paper Cut Art by Heather Clements" at the Bay County Public Library, Panama City, FL.  March, 2013

"Cut It Out: Paper Cut Art by Heather Clements" at the Bay County Public Library, Panama City, FL.  March, 2013

"Cut It Out: Paper Cut Art by Heather Clements" at the Bay County Public Library, Panama City, FL.  March, 2013

Now that the exhibit is over, I can reveal online my largest paper cut yet, "Symbiosis I"  It is 30" x 53. 5" with an acrylic background.  The hair alone took me two days.

Symbiosis:

noun ( pl. symbioses |-ˌsēz| ) Biology    interaction between two different organisms living in close physical association, typically to the advantage of both.

 

"Symbiosis I" hand-cut paper, acrylic, 30" x 53.5", by Heather Clements, 2013

"Symbiosis I" (detail) by Heather Clements, 2013

"Symbiosis I" (detail) by Heather Clements, 2013

"Symbiosis I" (detail, from an angle) by Heather Clements, 2013

Inspiration Source #15:  A free school under a bridge in India.  Need I say more?  That's an inspiration.  See more images and read more about it here.

Thank you for letting me share with you!

-Heather