The Japanese pronounce the words "hair," "paper," and "god" the same way, and all are significant in Japanese religious tradition. These intricate cut paper sculptures by Maude White make anyone understand the connection. Power, Beauty, Life and Death are four words that come to mind when looking at her latest series, "What's Left Of The Farm."
In this latest series, Maude White explores the delicacies and strength in the female face and flowing hair.
Working in her apartment living room, Maude spends hours making delicate slices on the paper. She has Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, but her intricate work allows her to focus that part of herself into something creative.
Although the technique allows no room for error, Maude finds comfort in it. "No matter how small my cuts the paper holds. There is a certain comfort in that, a comfort I enjoy. I feel that there are very few things in the world as reliable and constant as paper," she tells SF Globe.
Rather than use paper as a medium upon which to tell a story, Maude believes that paper has its own story. That by cutting away at it, she is able to reveal the "secret space" beneath it. The paper is the story. Often, the paper takes on a new image as she engages with it through the cutting process.
"I started cutting paper because I wanted to have a conversation with paper, to create art with paper, not on paper. I am fascinated by the idea that paper has been around for so long and has been used for communication and learning for so long. It is worthy of respect. I cut paper because there is something truly wonderful in being able to create something that can be lifted and looked through."
Maude is fascinated by patterns. Inspired by nature, many of her previous pieces feature birds and ocean waves.
A delicate feather, like paper, can seem fragile and transient, but has the strength to make eagles soar.
You can see more of her work on her
website and on her
Instagram. Maude has been exhibited in several galleries, and select pieces are available for purchase at her Etsy shop,
Brave Bird.
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