Silk Shadows

After a chilly week the sun came out today and while basking in the warm sunshine I took a few photos of my new 'Bug cut'. Since working on the silk paper cut 'Taipei Living' (2006) I've become interested in bugs - their long legs, bulging eyes, and general scuttleness fascinates me. The art work for 'A Walk on the Wild Side' (see previous post) had lots of bugs hidden away. This new cut can actually stand up as it's made from two pieces of silk glued to card. Boy, it was really hard to cut as it was so thick!


I'm thinking on new applications for my silk paper cutting and I'm really interested in getting my cuts to stand up and using light to play with the cut and shadows.

Living in Taipei

The grey murk of a long spell of torrid winter weather has finally lifted and the sun has magically reappeared to reveal Taipei in all its ‘splendid glory’. There’s a hint of sarcasm there, but just a hint. This silk paper cut done just over a year ago is called Bugs, Bowls ‘n’ Bikes. It incorporates four elements of living in Taipei, which is where my family currently lives. Starting from the centre are the bugs which during the summer are found happily scuttling around the streets, but most annoyingly in my kitchen!
Then there’s the food. Watching freshly cooked noodle soup on a cold day is a wondrous steamy sight.
Finally there’s the over abundance of motorbikes which are everywhere and I mean everywhere. You’ll find them zipping along the sidewalks and even in the middle of quiet parks someone will try to make a short cut across the grass.

Surrounding all this is a ring of grey misty cloud which represents Taipei’s hot humid weather.

It's all a mish mash of exotic sights and smells which even after living here so long don't fail to stir the senses. Hope you enjoy!