Over the past couple of years, I’ve become absolutely fascinated with the process of creating and mounting dimensional paper strata art, and It’s turned into such an obsession that I literally look at every piece of work I have with an eye towards adapting a version into the layers it takes to generate a piece of cut paper strata art.
Paper strata art is equal parts art and engineering (and we all know I am horrid at maths), and sometimes I end up with several half completed iterations before I get a finished piece. It’s fairly easy to tell when the process is not working and the layers aren’t going to come together as a cohesive whole; that’s the point where I either chuck it all in the rubbish bin and go back to Illustrator or I try to piece together what I have that does work and then re-structure the remaining pieces to come up with something that is workable.
So far I haven’t made the same finished piece more than once – I’m changing colors, making minor alterations in placement, re-organizing some of the cuts in the various layers… my goal here is not to generate a template for mass produced pieces, but more to use one set of cut plans to create individual pieces that vary enough to make them unique.
This method also means I can create small collections initially and then decide which ones to expand upon at a later date. Right now I am so excited about converting everything into dimensional layers it’s tough for me to focus on anything too specific for too long. I also finish a series run as soon as I start to get bored or feel my attention wandering on to the next piece.
I have also started hand pulling paper, using recycled scraps of junk mail, discarded printer paper, and other random bits of cast offs that can be recycled into new materials to use as art. My fantastic Canon pro printer loves to lay down color on these hand-made paper layers, and the tonal variations in the ink as it sits on the varying substrates in the hand-made papers injects another element of the unknown into the finished work.
The Recent Evolution of Paper Strata Art
Dimensional paper strata art is a captivating and relatively contemporary art form that explores depth and perspective through the meticulous layering and manipulation of paper. Unlike traditional two-dimensional paper art like collage or decoupage, paper strata art creates a tangible sense of three-dimensionality, inviting viewers to peer into intricate landscapes, abstract compositions, or even portraits built entirely from cut and stacked paper. The term “strata” itself, borrowed from geology to describe layers of rock, aptly reflects the fundamental process of this art form: building depth through successive planes of paper.
The Process: A Symphony of Cuts and Layers
Creating dimensional paper strata art is a labor-intensive process demanding precision, patience, and a keen eye for spatial relationships. It typically begins with a concept or design, and I often sketch it out to determine the various layers and how they will interact to create the final three-dimensional effect. The choice of paper is crucial, with considerations around weight, texture, finish, and color and how they will enhance the visual impact of each layer.
Once the design is finalized, the artist meticulously cuts out each layer from individual sheets of paper. This can be done by hand using craft knives for intricate details or with laser cutters for more complex and repeatable forms. Each cut-out represents a specific plane within the artwork, and the negative space created by the cuts becomes just as important as the paper itself, allowing subsequent layers to peek through and contribute to the overall depth.
The magic truly happens during the assembly phase. The cut paper layers are carefully stacked and adhered to each other, often using spacers or foam board between the layers to create a tangible separation and enhance the shadows and highlights. The artist must consider the alignment of each layer to ensure the intended perspective and depth are achieved. The final piece can also be presented in a shadow box frame, further enhancing the three-dimensional effect and protecting the delicate paper layers. Some artists might also incorporate lighting elements within the layers to add another dimension of visual interest and drama.
A Nascent History and Evolution
While the fundamental technique of layering paper has existed in various craft forms for centuries, dimensional paper strata art as a distinct artistic movement is relatively recent, gaining significant traction in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. It draws inspiration from diverse sources, including traditional paper cutting techniques from various cultures (like the intricate Chinese paper cuttings or the delicate Scherenschnitte of Germany and Switzerland), theatrical set design with its use of layered backdrops, and even the principles of stereoscopic imagery that create the illusion of depth.
The advent of more precise cutting tools, particularly laser and die cutters, has undoubtedly played a significant role in the evolution of this art form. Modern technology allows for intricate and repeatable cuts that would be incredibly time-consuming and difficult to achieve by hand, opening up new possibilities for complexity and scale in dimensional paper art.
Contemporary artists are pushing the boundaries of this medium in exciting ways. Some create breathtakingly realistic landscapes with subtle gradations of depth, while others explore abstract geometric forms that play with positive and negative space. Portraiture is another fascinating application, with artists layering paper to create subtle contours and shadows that bring faces to life in a unique and textural way. The integration of digital design tools also allows artists to plan and execute increasingly complex and multi-layered pieces.
Interesting Information and Significance
- Tactile Experience: Unlike purely visual art forms, dimensional paper strata art offers a subtle tactile experience. While viewers are typically discouraged from touching the delicate layers, the visible depth and the interplay of light and shadow create a sense of tangibility.
- Light and Shadow as Mediums: Light and shadow are not just cast upon the artwork; they become integral mediums within it. The varying depths between the paper layers create dynamic shadows that shift with the viewing angle and the ambient light, adding another layer of visual complexity.
- Sustainability: Paper, as a primary material, can be sourced sustainably, making this art form appealing to environmentally conscious artists and collectors. The focus on intricate cutting and layering also emphasizes mindful use of the material.
- Accessibility: While complex pieces can be highly intricate and valuable, the basic materials (paper and adhesive) are relatively accessible, making it a potentially approachable art form for aspiring artists to explore.
- Cross-Disciplinary Potential: Dimensional paper strata art has found applications beyond traditional gallery settings. Its principles are used in window displays, architectural models, and even in the creation of unique book illustrations and pop-up designs.
- Emotional Resonance: The delicate nature of paper, combined with the intricate layering and the illusion of depth, can evoke a range of emotions, from wonder and fascination to a sense of fragility and the passage of time (akin to geological strata).
Through meticulous cutting and thoughtful layering, paper strata art can create intricate worlds that invite viewers to delve into their depths, revealing the beauty and complexity that is achievable with this humble yet versatile material. The interplay of light, shadow, and the tangible layers of paper offers a unique artistic experience that bridges the gap between two and three dimensions.