Lesson 18: Paper Cutting

Objective: To design and create a paper cutting using visual weight and balance.

Vocabulary:

asymmetrical balance - A kind of balance in which different lines, shapes, and colors are used on each side of an artwork to make both sides seem equal.

balance - The way parts of an artwork work together so that the parts seem equal.

paper cutting - The art of paper designs.

radial balance - A type of composition in which visual weight extends from the center of the artwork.

visual weight - The importance given to objects of an artwork by their size, color, or placement. Artists use visual weight to create a sense of balance.

Window Flowers for New Year by Unknown Artist (Chinese)about 1950, paper8.5" x 4.5"Museum of International Folk Art, Santa Fe, NM, USA

Paper Art

The tradition of paper cutting came from ancient China. It is thought to have started about 206 B.C., around the time paper was invented. Eventually, the art of paper cutting spread to other parts of the world. Different cultures developed their own styles of paper cutting.
Look at Window Flowers for New Year by Unknown Artist. How did the artist use shape to create symmetrical balance? What kind of patterns do you see?

Polish traditional style by Bernadine Jendrzejczak1998, cut paper on cardboard10"Private Collection

Now look at Paper cutting in Polish traditional style by Bernadine Jendrzejczak. What shapes do you recognize? In Poland it has been a tradition to make cutouts like this as decorations for everyday use and for special occasions. The patterns are often inspired by nature. Describe how Paper cutting in Polish traditional style shows symmetrical balance.
Paper cutting in Polish traditional style also shows radial balance because the same pattern radiates, or extends, from the center, like spokes of a wheel. Put your finger on the center of Paper cutting in Polish traditional style. Then look at the way the pattern is repeated around the artwork.

Flowery Words: Stories, Poems, Song, History & Wisdom by Carmen Lomas Garza1993, white paper cutoutsCollection of the artist

Trace the vertical axis in Flowery Words... by Carmen Lomas Garza. This artwork shows asymmetrical balance. The artist arranged lines and shapes to show balance even though the artwork is not the same on both sides. Look at the woman's head in the lower right corner. Now look at the thick, curved line of the plant in the upper left corner. These two objects have the same visual weight, or importance, in the artwork. Artists use visual weight to create a sense of balance in their artworks.

Think Critically - Tell what you learned.

Studio Time: Paper Cutting

Materials:

Pencils, Sketchbooks, White Paper, Scissors, Colored Pencils or Markers

Plan

Think of a design you would like to show in paper cutting. Sketch some of your ideas.
Check list:
- Create a paper cutting.
- Use linear or radial symmetrical balance in your design.

Create

Fold a sheet of paper in half. Draw half of your design so that it meets the fold of the paper. Make your drawing large enough to fill up the paper.

2. Cut out your design. Then open the paper.
3. Add color with colored pencils or markers to the side of your design that does not have pencil marks.

Reflect - Tell about your work.

Photograph and Submit your work on Google Classroom.

Photograph sketches as well as completed artwork.
"Add" (attach) to Google Classroom assignment.
"Mark as done" to submit your work for a grade.

Challenge: Cut-Paper Relief Collage

Create a paper relief by cutting out natural objects on construction paper, arrange cut-outs on the paper, and elevate overlapping objects with spacers (foam or construction paper).

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