dear ada

the infinite library.

What is it about altered books that moves me so much? I don't know why but the very idea of it, of taking an existing book, one made for a particular purpose and then changing it, adding to it, removing from it, deconstructing it and then reconstructing it, in a different order or with another book, all of it just makes my heart sing. Which is why I'm so very beside myself with joy about the the infinite library project. Not only is it all the things I described above, but the results are so stunningly beautiful that it brings tears to my eyes. It just doesn't get better than this as far as I'm concerned.

Original link via i heart photograph.

yuko yamamoto.

Aren't these simple paper illustrations by yuko yamamoto fantastic? I love the flatness of them as well as the yummy, subdued color palettes. Very nice, yes indeed.

risa fukui.

Aren't these contemporary papercuts by risa fukui amazing? The intricacy and skill of the crafting is undeniable, fluid line work and powerful movement give this work a rich depth. And then there's the unique use of color, black paper vs. white and dark, moody colors to create a distinct and surprising palette. Some of the subject matter is just plain gorgeous, other stories are far darker and more ominous. Which is to say that this artist's work pushes so many boundaries of what I've at least come to think of as papercutting. I love it when that happens!

francesca pastine.

I'm really liking these paper cut outs by francesca pastine. Much of the work is using the new york times as it's medium. Ephemeral, momentary and unstable, newspaper won't last long as a material, punctuating the idea that time and news and drama are fleeting. And then too, this work is just plain beautiful. Delicate and crafted, I love the tension between the prettiness of the paper cutting with the seriousness and brutality of news and sports. So fabulous!

ayelet iontef.

I'm so enamored with ayelet iontef's process and blog. Not only do I love the feel of the flat cut out motifs that become wonderful patterns, I also love watching the process unfold. As a pattern designer in another life, it's a joy to have someone share their creating behind the finished work. Pattern design is so exciting as a medium and it's such a treat to see one talented artists journey with it. Not to mention that the work itself is just fabulous.

kylie stillman.

Oh my, oh my. Look at these amazing altered books by kylie stillman. Cut paper, repurposed object, patterned background, bird motif. Oh be still my happy heart! Lovely link via laissez faire design.

catherine bertola.

Found surfaces, manipulated and altered, are one of the hallmarks of the surprising work of catherine bertola. The patterns she creates on these surfaces are reminiscent of textiles and wallpapers found in homes from another time. Far from an exercise in creating simply decorative things, her "haunting and evocative art uses the debris of humanity - decay in the form of dust, the stuff of human passage. 'Women are traditionally trained to notice it, erase it, halt its pervasiveness. Only a bad woman would collude with it, invite it in, reconstitute it'". Ah, pretty and deep. What a lovely combination don't you think?

Lovely link from cally creates.

beatrice coron.

The intricacy and dimension of these paper cuttings by beatrice coron is amazing. There is a quality of line and shape that can only be achieved with a cutting tool and a sheet of paper or tyvec in the case below. One tool, one surface and oh my, what beauty can be achieved. These two pieces are stunning examples of that very thing. Amazing indeed.

Link via le territoire des sens.

antony hall.

Paper cut outs and images that are screen printed from a paper cut out, well it doesn't get much better than that as far as I'm concerned. Which is why I need, want and desire these wonderful cards from antony hall. I mean, come on. Aren't they absolutely fabulous in their simplicity and whimsy?

Thanks to smarts and crafts for the happy link.

jacob hashimoto.

Thanks to a link from a kind reader, I just discovered these amazing, dimensionally collaged and patterned panels by jacob hashimoto. I love them truly. The motifs of the one above, the colors, the layering, the scale, oh be still my beating heart! Or what about this incredible white on white panel below? It's hard to catch my breath. Isn't his work is absolutely stunning?