Unique Paper Sculptures - Paper Sculpture Art and Illustrations by Kristen E. Stuart, Artist

This PAGE >  FAQs - Views About Paper Sculpture Art by paper sculpture artist Kristen E. Stuart

From Kristen...

It's rather singular and distinctive actually, because it isn't common at all - that's why it is such a stand out. Not very many artists work seriously in this medium, and of the ones that do, there are a handful that are simply outstanding - incredibly good work. Many others venture into paper sculpture, they try it, but don't go very deep or far with it. It looks easy, but it isn't. It is a really a craft on a certain level, but the  people who are really great at it bring it to the level of a true art form. There is a delicacy about the form, a fragility, a lightness, while the three dimensional aspects bring a subject to an amazing life that you don't find often in other forms.

Are there some other aspects that are important to note about this medium?

Yes, I'd say so. One facet is that when you own a detailed and finely rendered paper sculpture, you'll have a one-of-a-kind work, the only one in the world - unique in the true sense of the word. Paper sculpture on this level is not easily reproducible, doesn't lend itself to any kind of mass production or reproduction. You can photograph it - even this can be impressive if the piece is really good - but the experience of viewing it in person is the real experience. It's a very different experience. It shares this quality with sculpture in bronze or other mediums, the difference between a photo of a sculpture by Rodin and coming into contact with the actual, real sculpture.

Are there different levels of paper sculpture in terms of the art aspects?

Most certainly, and what level is achieved has to do with the purpose, the conception, the application, what it's about, what is trying to be expressed or achieved. You can view a piece that someone has done that is a rough or basic use of a paper shape for a simple illustration of something, an idea, concept of something, whatever. It may be cute or clever, and may be exactly what was called for to meet a particular purpose. It's the kind of thing that someone with basic skills in cutting and glue could do. And then you see a piece that simply takes your breath away, relates to some aspect of life that draws you in, whether something in nature or in life, something that creates a sense of wonder or awe, something that may touch the viewer on the inside. And more. That is part of what art does, and it applies to paper sculpture on that level. 

What elements would you say particularly characterize your work?

My work, in a general or overall sense, is about fine detail; not rough or gross shapes put together. I think it is detail that brings things to life, to a higher level of perceived reality, and this experience is what many viewers report to me. Detail delivers this, and while the time invested is significant, sometimes huge, it is worthwhile and makes all the difference. Each paper sculpture calls for creativity to come into play, not to mention thinking the process through, working out spacing and depth and layers, visualizing, planning, and, yes, problem solving, as the three dimensional work begins to take shape.

What kind of response do you normally get from viewers?

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"Often viewers have been known to exclaim, "Wow!"
when they first view a well done, three dimensional paper sculpture."

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Viewer response? To achieve this kind of "Wow!" response is not unusual, and the overall effect of both shape and detail, as well as depth and dimension, all the care and time that goes into the work, can produce exactly that response. Part of what led me to pursue paper sculpture seriously was this response to my first works. I was actually fairly surprised by it. It is like anything else, though, in that some people don't respond, much as any number of people don't respond to any type of art. For those that take the time to look and really see, it's genuinely, deeply, and spontaneously positive.

How do you usually display your work? Anything special?

Most all of my pieces have custom matting and custom framing, along with special glass that I've specified precisely for this purpose - it's not regular glass. It is manufactured specifically to reduce reflectivity or glare, and the effect is to make the glass seem to disappear. This can bring the viewer in to what seems to be unrestricted contact with the work, as if there was no separation between the work and the viewer. Quality of all components is, of course, important, and often hundreds of dollars go into these aspects alone. Additional protection that is sometimes specified is complete vacuum sealing of the entire work.

Do you use regular paper and glues?

Regular paper? No, not at all. All papers are acid free papers and carefully selected for the particular work from special paper suppliers. Regular glue? No, not at all. Glues that are acid free, special glues for these purposes, are selected and utilized. Papers with special textures, weight, construction, special colors, or other qualities are selected for particular works. Finding, specifying, and obtaining these papers, in addition to all other aspects, is time consuming, but well worth the effort for the final outcome. Paper matters greatly. 

Could you give some examples of the price of a paper sculpture?

Most, but not all, of the paper sculptures that appear on my website range in price from $1,100. to $ 4,100, for example. A commission to create a paper sculpture, of course, will vary greatly depending upon the subject, size, and overall scope of the project. Please inquire with me specifically about any aspect of what is involved in a commission or regarding a particular work or rendering.

For contact information for me:  Contact me

Do you do business with and work with agencies, art directors, creative directors?

Yes. Please inquire and discuss how we could work together. Contact me.

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Some Past Exhibitions

The works of Kristen E. Stuart were exhibited at:

in:

 "TRUE COLORS"

NORTHERN OHIO ILLUSTRATOR'S SOCIETY

see displays, click
JURIED ANNUAL MEMBER'S EXHIBITION
 

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The works of Kristen E. Stuart were exhibited at:

see displays, click
PAPER EXHIBITION

Gallery East
 4250 Richmond Road,
Highland Hills, Ohio 44122

Kristen E. Stuart's entries:
 Eagle
 LHS Collage

One of Kristen's paper sculptures  was commissioned by Cincinnati Magazine and appeared in a major story on the Cincinnati Enquirer newspaper and the web, and other news - Click image or NEWS