Cut to the Chase - Discovering and Making Cut Paper Art and Illustration

Hey everyone, I'm doing a workshop on Friday! It's reservation only, so if you'd like to see me turn tomato-red while chatting about how cool Cut Paper Art is, and you're going to be in the Tokyo area, grab a seat. Here's the description:

For centuries, cut paper has had a place in storytelling and folk art traditions throughout the world. From intricate Chinese cutouts to Mexico's Papel Picado to European silhouettes, papercutting has been a vibrant part of the craft life of many cultures. Cut paper became a popular technique with childrens' book illustrators, valued for lively colors and versatility. Recently cut paper has received renewed attention from artists, merging modern creativity and thought with traditional techniques.

In this 90-minute workshop, cut paper artist/illustrator Patrick Gannon will conduct a brief tour of the history of Cut Paper art traditions throughout the world. Modern papercutting art from various artists and illustrators will be introduced. He'll demonstrate some of his techniques for creating this fascinating and fun art form and lead participants in the creation of their own cut paper illustrations. Participants are encouraged to bring sketches, characters, or story ideas that can be used as a creative starting point for their illustrations.

And the details:

Cut to the Chase - Discovering and Making Cut Paper Art & Illustration

Time:  Friday, January 29, 2010 • 7:00-8:30 p.m.

Place:  Tokyo Women’s Plaza, Conference Room 2            
             5-53-67 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo            
             (by the Children’s Castle and United Nations University)
For a map see www.scbwi.jp/map.htm
Fee:  SCBWI members 1,000 yen          
         Non-members 1,500 yen
Reservations:  Contact info@scbwi.jp by January 28

Materials to Bring:  

• sketch pad or paper
• colored paper (optional)
• pencil or mechanical pencil
• eraser
• scissors
• glue or glue stick (optional)
• cutting mat (if you have one) or A4 to A3 size sheet(s) of thick cardboard
• NT design cutter / X-acto knife and blade (if you have one)

This event will be in English; Japanese interpretation available on request.

Also of note, this is the first time I've ever posted a photo of myself on this blog. Try not to let it scare you off from the event.