Our Could artist of the month is paper sculptor and weaver Julie VonDerVellen whose delicate and meditative works mirror the wonders of nature and the on a regular basis.
Julie VonDerVellen
“Once I began working with it, I didn’t see very many individuals exploring the (paper) medium however now it appears to be a completely new profession path for artists.
The place do you make your work?
My reside/work studio house is in Milwaukee, WI. I moved every part into my residence in the course of the pandemic and it’s been fantastic to have every part accessible always of the day.
How lengthy have you ever been working with paper?
Paper has been my medium of selection for about 12 years. I started experimenting with it whereas I used to be in graduate college on the College of Wisconsin-Madison after taking an artists’ books course. I loved the tactile nature of the fabric and as a graphic designer, it impressed me to dedicate extra of my studio time away from the pc. I additionally enrolled within the handmade paper course and made all of the paper for my thesis exhibition from recycled cotton materials. It’s a laborious course of, however I completely cherished it.
How would you describe your method to paper artwork?
Exploratory. Curious. Once I begin a sculptural piece, I method the undertaking with an inquisitiveness — making an attempt to observe, “I ponder if I could make this out of paper?” or, “what occurs if …” mindset. I by no means know precisely how I’m going to make the item, however every step informs the subsequent. The issue-solving and engineering course of is essentially the most fulfilling facet. I get excited for the ah-ha studying moments that at all times appear to happen.
Whereas engaged on summary weavings and textile-inspired works, I attempt to be very calm and affected person. The method I take advantage of requires many hours of sitting and weaving the 1/8” strips of paper with the assistance of a stitching needle. It has at all times been my time to mirror or meditate on occasions which can be taking place in my life.
The place do you discover inspiration?
I discover inspiration for my work via journey, nature, books, and private experiences working in artwork schooling. I’m fortunate to reside subsequent to Lake Michigan and be capable to take walks via the state parks right here. The colours of the water and surrounding landscapes appear to seek out their approach into my smooth pastel coloration palettes. I additionally love working with recycled books and their supplies. Conceptually, my work has an underlying emphasis on narrative and storytelling, and subsequently the ebook artifacts assist to seize these sentiments.
Describe your work to us in three phrases:
Intelligent. Alluring. Stunning.
What are your favourite papers to work with?
I work primarily with Hanji paper. It’s Korean handmade paper created from mulberry tree bark. I like the flexibility of that materials, how nicely it absorbs paint, and the power to sculpt or weave with it. I extremely advocate it!
What instrument might you not reside with out?
I work with only a few instruments. “Go-to” provides embody my straightedge, purple painter’s tape, knives, chopping mat, needle, and PVA glue.
What’s the neatest thing about working with paper as a medium?
The perfect factor about working with paper is that there are infinite prospects. So many artists are pushing the boundaries of what may be created. Once I began working with it, I didn’t see very many individuals exploring the medium however now it appears to be a completely new profession path for artists. It’s nice to observe the improvements within the business and the way it’s influenced curriculum for highschool and college-level artwork programs in addition to model design and advertising campaigns.
What are you engaged on in the mean time?
I’m making an attempt to have enjoyable in my studio and have been engaged on some new sculptural and smaller 2D woven items. I’m additionally getting ready for an upcoming exhibition on the Saint Kate Arts Lodge in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. It opens Could twentieth and I am actually trying ahead to it!
