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From Kristen...
Questions and
Answers, Frequently Asked Questions
Views or perspectives on paper sculpture
What do you think the place or position of
paper sculpture is compared to other forms of sculpture, art, painting,
etc.?
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
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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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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
September 18,
2007 to
October 11, 2007
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The
works of Kristen E. Stuart were exhibited at:

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EXPRESSIONS IN AND ON PAPER:
ARTIST'S BOOKS,
PULP PAINTINGS, PRINTS
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October 30, 2007 to
November 20, 2007
see displays, click
PAPER EXHIBITION
Gallery East
4250 Richmond Road,
Highland Hills, Ohio 44122
Kristen E. Stuart's entries:
Eagle
LHS Collage


2008 -
See one of Kristen's latest paper sculptures that was commissioned by
Cincinnati Magazine and appearing in a major story on the
Cincinnati Enquirer newspaper and the web, and other news - Click image or NEWS |