Octopus "Vellum"- Paper Cutting

The creation of art is often seen as additive. Lines are added to a drawing, paint is added to a canvas, yarn is added to a loom, but paper cutting creates art by removal. The piece depicts an octopus in the middle of an attempt to escape the ocean, "Vellum" poses an introspective moment. Reflecting a question often asked in the past, “paper or plastic”, "Vellum" answers the question with a stark reality. A decrease in reusable offerings has generated a significant portion of plastic waste in the ocean, contributing to marine pollution. Eventually, the amount of pollution will overwhelm the ecosystem, leaving a single option to survive–escape.

Thrift store frame, Large sheet of paper, X-acto craft knife, additional blades, cutting mat, reclaimed wood (cut to frame size), sandpaper, acrylic paint, brushes

Framing art is expensive. So before I start any art project, I go thrifting. Choosing to purchase from thrift stores helps to reduce environmental waste and helps the community. Since the focus of this project was environmental awareness, I chose a local store that supports environmental causes. I found a frame that was long and narrow to represent the depth of the ocean. It also already had a deep blue matting ( another win for the environment). Once, I had the frame in hand, I headed to the shed. My neighborhood has a great free cycling program, so I am constantly on the look out for scrap plywood. I cut the 3/8 inch plywood to the size of the frame, sanded it smooth and prime it with "oops paint" from Home Depot.

Traditional paper cutting often uses white paper. Mediumweight (cardstock/60 lb.+) works great. I contemplated using white paper to represent the ghost of an octopus, but decided to use a vivid coral to highlight the vibrancy of the octopus. Using archival paper offers a longer lifespan for the final art piece.

Mark out the frame size on sketch paper. Draw and cut out the basic octopus shape. Flip the image, so the pencil marks are down onto the final sheet of paper. The cuts will be made on the back of the final sheet, so pencil marks do not need to be erased. Once the outline is traced draw designs to give the octopus texture. Add pattern marks, I was inspired by the jagged edges of coastal cliffs and my fingerprints, mirroring the idea of nature and human interactions.

Cutting requires patience and time and frequent blade changes. It took about 30 hours to finish the octopus. It is not important where you begin cutting, however leave the larger pieces until the end, as they provide strength and structure while you are cutting. It is important to check your design on a white background, so you can make any adjustments. An Octopus can change not only their coloring, but also the texture of their skin to match rocks, corals and other items nearby, so any cutting pattern will result in a phenomenal work of art.

The ocean background is created by painting a blue gradient from bottom to top. The sunlight is created with small curved brush strokes of white and light blue.

It is unconventional to place art outside of the mat. However, I wanted the viewer to feel that the octopus trying to escape from the invisible but deadly dangers of microplastics. "Vellum" highlights the environmental impacts of microplastics, is environmental friendly and stresses the importance of removal. Removal of pollutants, removal of items from the waste stream, removal to create art. Art is powerful, try it.