Our November Artist of the month goes to paper artist and illustrator Sarah Dennis whose stunning works are inspired by the natural world.
Sarah Dennis
Bristol, UK
Website: www.sarah-dennis.co.uk
Instagram:
"It seems to be a never ending work of discovery, it always leaving me thinking of new ways to approach creating the artwork what colours and structures can be used to capture my ideas. "
Where do you make your paper art?
I have recently transitioned to working at home but before that I have had a studio in Bristol which was wonderful. Since becoming a mother time has become so precious and I find myself often working outside typical working hours. As a result, I have found being home and having all my materials and tools to hand has worked out really well for family life .
How long have you been working with paper?
For about 10 years now.
How would you describe your approach to paper art?
I have quite a fluid approach to working with paper art, I use lots of intwined, curved shapes that depict nature coming together. I love to find interesting ways to work with paper to represent the movement of leaves, the silhouette of an underwater ocean animal or bird in the sky, paper opens up all kinds of creative opportunities.
Where do you find inspiration?
Those moments where you discover another world on our planet that that I could never have imagined. My mind boggles when looking at imagery of ocean creatures, the watery world in which they live and the amazing ways that they find to swim through the ocean. Or when you see mushrooms growing in the woods, reminding you of the secret network of trees and quietly communicating with each other, growing and evolving in their environment.
Describe your work to us in three words:
Detailed, delicate, movement.
What are your favorite papers to work with?
I do love GF Smith metallic range, it’s almost like working in really soft smooth metal. I love how the light reacts to it: creating a soft shimmer and a glow.
What tool could you not live without?
It’s very simple: a cutting mat and craft knife.
What is the best thing about working with paper as a medium?
It seems to be a never ending work of discovery, it always leaving me thinking of new ways to approach creating the artwork what colours and structures can be used to capture my ideas.
Who are your favorite paper artists?
I have always really admired Elsa Mora’s work. I discovered her early on in my career. At the time she was working on some really fascinating publishing projects. Her work was on the cover of a book called ‘all about paper cutting’ I still bring this book along to workshops I teach as it really shows a verity of very talented artist. Her work has really evolved and it been fascinating to see how her paper sculptures manage to capture so much meaning and depth.
What are you working on at the moment?
I’m currently working on a new collection of work, I am enjoying exploring lino cutting and new printing techniques. As we quickly approach the Christmas period I am getting all my stock together to sell at an arts fair.
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