Rock Paper Featured Artists

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Rock Paper Store 8/21/23 Rock Paper Store 8/21/23

Wendy Bale

• Wendy Bale •

Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your artistic background?

I am a multidisciplinary artist and environmentalist in Jamestown, New York. I'm primarily known as a paper artist. Through my paper cuts, I tell stories about life in the wilds of Western New York and Pennsylvania. A member of Guild of American Papercutters, I again and again unearth new techniques in this diverse medium. Employing various styles from layered paper cuts to 3D paper sculpture, my art celebrates the versatility of paper. Often, I chsose to work entirely in Rock Paper, a pliable, mineral-based sheet. Regardless the materials or method I’m using, my joy is to connect with the viewer through the mutual love of favorite nature subjects. Paper cutting also lends itself very well to stop motion video. I occasionally make video shorts using paper cut characters. Using a simple app and my iPhone on a tripod, I playfully move the paper elements around shooting each frame to tell a story.

What drew you to your particular art form or medium?

My nature-themed artworks often include paper sculpture using many kinds of paper. I especially like Rock Paper because it takes embossment so beautifully. I also work in other media like painting, drawing and sculpting in clay and have found the waterproof quality of rock paper can come in handy for outdoor applications or making templates.

How long have you used Rock Paper in your artwork?

I think I bought my first Rock Paper in 2019 or 2020. I have been using it ever since! (Can you look this up? it would be fun to know for sure)

Do you have any tips or advice for other artists who are considering using Rock Paper for their own work?

Yes! Try stretching the thinnest white paper to make the coolest clouds. It is very satisfying to do. Almost as much fun as popping bubble wrap!

Is there anything else you would like to add about your experience with Rock Paper or its impact on your art?

I love using materials or techniques that other people have never heard of. I teach workshops on paper cutting and sculpting and the rock paper ones are always fun to teach. I have had many people get hooked on this unique sheet after learning about it from me. I am always looking for new ways to use it and haven't run out of ideas yet!

Links to see more of Wendy’s work

Website: wendybaleart1st.com

Instagram: @wendy_bale_art1st

Facebook: @wendybaleart1st

Thank you so much Wendy for sharing your artwork with us! We are excited to see more.

All copy and artwork used with permission was provided by the Featured Artist.

Artwork copyrights in this article belong to Wendy Bale

Rock Paper Store 7/21/23 Rock Paper Store 7/21/23

Jennifer Kaplan

I am a self-taught Judaica and papercut artist in Cleveland, Ohio. I use a variety of traditional and modern papercutting and collage techniques to create my pieces.

Jennifer Kaplan

• Jennifer Kaplan •

Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your artistic background?

I am a self-taught Judaica and papercut artist in Cleveland, Ohio. I use a variety of traditional and modern papercutting and collage techniques to create my pieces.

What drew you to your particular art form or medium?

I am inspired by my Judaism and the Hebrew alphabet, and love that I can create art and deepen my connection to my religion and spiritual practice at the same time.

How long have you used Rock Paper in your artwork?

About two years.

Do you have any tips or advice for other artists who are considering using Rock Paper for their own work?

Each color and texture behaves a bit differently, so experiment!

Is there anything else you would like to add about your experience with Rock Paper or its impact on your art?

I love cutting rock paper-- I find it really satisfying!

Links to see more of Jennifer’s work

Website: Www.jenniferkaplandesigns.com

Instagram: @jenniferlkaplan

Facebook: @jenniferkaplandesigns

Thank you so much Jennifer for sharing your artwork with us! We are excited to see more.

All copy and artwork used with permission was provided by the Featured Artist.

Artwork copyrights in this article belong to Jennifer Kaplan

Rock Paper Store 7/21/23 Rock Paper Store 7/21/23

Michelle Hoover

I've been using rock paper for about 2 years. I discovered them on Instagram and promptly ordered a sample. I was doing all of the centerpieces for a couple friends that were getting married.

Michelle Hoover

• Michelle Hoover •

Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your artistic background?

I have always enjoyed art and always tended to blur the line between 2D and 3D work. I mainly concentrated in watercolor work before expanding to 3D paper art. I still use my watercolor painting to create custom colors and designs for the pieces that I work on now as well as continuing to do watercolor illustrations.

What drew you to your particular art form or medium?

My 3D paper work started when I created most of the florals for my wedding. Then things kind of fell into place. People liked them and I decided to pursue the medium further.

How long have you used Rock Paper in your artwork?

I've been using rock paper for about 2 years. I discovered them on Instagram and promptly ordered a sample. I was doing all of the centerpieces for a couple friends that were getting married. One of them was studying for her doctorate in Marine geology and I thought she would appreciate making some of their flowers out of rocks! I then transitioned to using it for head pieces as well since I live close to New Orleans and head pieces for Mardi Gras are big deal down here. The waterproof nature of the paper is really helpful.

Do you have any tips or advice for other artists who are considering using Rock Paper for their own work?

Experiment with it. It's a lot more versatile than normal paper. See what weird things work.

See more of Michelle’s work on Instagram

@papersnapdragon

Thank you so much Michelle for sharing your artwork with us! We are excited to see more.

All copy and artwork used with permission was provided by the Featured Artist.

Artwork copyrights in this article belong to Michelle Hoover