05.) PAPERCRAFT: RESEARCH

Paper-Craft, Taking Off

(Hehe get it?)

When reading through the articles posted on Colossal I was in awe of how creative and innovative these artists are. In terms of not only the concepts but the physical composition of them, meaning the practicalities that go into creating 3D objects out of such a flimsy medium. Examples of these concepts being varied would be comparing the works of artist couple Hari and Deepi’s works Illuminated Cut Paper Boxes to Zim and Zou’s Meticulously Hand Crafted Paper Objects; while both works create new imagery and object from paper, the concept and construction is completely different. Therefore, communicating differently to the audience what the tone and intention of the piece is. Continuing with these examples; one that intends to sell a story, one that intends to sell an object.

The artist that I felt the most interested or drawn to was Elsa Mora’s Cut Paper Sculptures. From first appearances, I was drawn to the work as it presents as quite illustrated in nature. Using both flat and three dimensional compositions in her work created a sense of being drawn into the pieces. Mora is a Cuban-born artist currently based out of New York, who works predominantly with these paper compositions and mediums. From my understanding of her work, there is a reflection of story telling within the content of all of her work, the piece to the right was a piece done for a private client in NYC. Knowing that, one wonders why exactly they wanted this depicted, what is the story here?

In the artists “about me” section of her website she explores her background and journey to being where she is today. One of the most notable, and, in my opinion, applicable things she speaks about, is the importance of imagination within creation. Growing up poor in Cuba in the 70s Mora saw a lot of life, and through these experiences she developed a sense of self. After graduating from art school in the 90s Mora and began to teach art in schools. During her 2 year career of teaching Mora experienced grief, monetary instability, and divorce. During this period she is said to have seen major development in her artistic practice. Not only in the quality of her work but the success as well, as she was featured in shows and events around Cuba and eventually internationally. Due to these aforementioned lived experiences it is my understanding that they sculpted not only the medium but the subject matter within her work. Seeing story telling and imagination peeking out of each decision with in the piece relates back to her first idea of the importance of creativity.

I chose this art and artist to review as, when reading through the articles, the imagery of it was the one that i continued to go back to. I found an interest in the compositions of her different pieces and the meanings or lack there of behind them. I chose this art to review as it was the one I could most closely relate to my own artistic practices. As someone who is applying to be an illustrator, I was drawn to the illustrative pieces that were featured in the Colossal article. When going in blind to looking at the pieces, I was able to find narratives and stories within them. Identify protagonists, antagonists and movement in the pieces. While, no, from my current understanding I do not know those things for sure, I am still able to form this connection to the pieces. Overall, Elsa Mora’s paper sculptures and illustrations create a tangible window into the world of 3D paper object design and construction through illustration, imagination and story telling.