Art of Papercutting

Jessica Palmer is a UK-based artist and illustrator whose work spans collage, paper sculpture, paper cutting, digital drawing and painting. Her clients include Disney Pixar, English Heritage, the National Trust and Skira Rizzoli. She makes pieces for private commission as well as for installations and exhibitions internationally. For more about Jessica's work please go to her website www.jessicapalmerart.com.

This guide explores the somewhat esoteric art medium of papercutting. Palmer, who is an expert in this technique, suggests that images made via this hand-cut means can act as a welcome counterpoint to the over-perfection often evident in digital images. A brief overview, including a bit of history, is provided. Palmer then supplies an initial detailed step-by-step explanation of her technique. This is followed by many examples of finished cut paper artwork that the reader can practice executing. Templates that may be scanned or photocopied for use in readers’ projects are handily provided at the back of the book. Cut paper artwork may be black-and-white only, incorporate limited color, or use many layers to produce full-color images. Most of the work shown is two-dimensional, but a few examples of sculptural work are included as well. VERDICT Intermediate and advanced artists in search of a fresh technique will find this guide challenging and absorbing.