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marie-helene grabman biography
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[Biography] [Gallery]
Lived: - present
GAP Member Since: 1990-01-15
Type: Papercutting, Silhouette, Scherenschnitte
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5862 Governors Hill Drive
Alexandria Virginia 22310
USA
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Circle of Birds
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Marie-Helene L. Grabman is one of the few fine artists executing original works of
scissor-cut paper – “Scherenschnitte”. The art of scherenschnitte is not very well
known in the USA, however, the art dates from the 1500’s in Switzerland and Germany.
It was brought to Colonial America by immigrants in the 1700’s. Like much of our art,
the style changed from its continental roots, and the American work became very
primitive in appearance. Today, only a handful of artists in this country practice
the original, intricate, European style cutwork – Marie-Helene’s specialty.
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She first learned cutting techniques from her grandmother. Later from studies of
electronic and print journalism at the University of Detroit, then as a TV news
professional, she mastered the concepts to design in a medium that contrasts mirror
images and asymmetry.
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Love Knot II
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Pennsylvania Memories 3
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A serious student of scherenschnitte, she combines both secular and religious
influences of European development and American heritage. She uses only scissors
to create each refined, uniquely detailed, graceful work. While she completes simple
cuttings in hours, intricate work can require a year to fully develop.
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The paper cuttings are cut from acid-free white or imported black silhouette paper.
Some of the works have multiple layers of sculpted paper added to the base cutting
to create or enhance a focal point. Under layers of papers are also used to give
color to hollow cut areas.
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Spring
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Summer
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The major difference in Marie-Helene’s work and that of other European and American
cuttings is the dimensional aspect of the work. The cuttings are never glued completely
down…they are floated on the back mat to create shadows and a 3-dimensional look,
important to the final composition.
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For a list of awards and honors please Marie-Helene's
Artist Statement |
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references
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