Scherenschnitte and Silhouettes
The Scissor-Cutting Art of Marie-Helene L. Grabman
" Master Papercutter "
"Love Knot II" "Amish Celebration" "Swiss Circle Woodland"
ARTIST EXHIBITIONS GALLERY 1 GALLERY 2 GALLERY 3 GALLERY 4
GALLERY 5 GALLERY 6 CUSTOM DESIGNS FAQ's LINKS
Welcome to the Web Page of my Award Winning Paper Cuttings
My artwork has been described as "traditional Swiss-German scherenschnitte (scissor cuttings) with elements of silhouettes or collage". Each "museum quality", original, copyrighted paper cut design is hand cut with European scissors. Many of the scherenschnitte cuttings, have full or partial symmetry in their composition. (Click on each thumbnail to get details, size and price information.) This is achieved by folding the paper as it is cut. The "collage" element in my work comes into play after the scissor cutting is complete. The intricate scherenschnitte, one piece of paper, forms the base for the collage. Sometimes I add 2 or 3 more layers of cut paper to this base. Other times, I use ink or acrylic paint to add more detail.
I cut some designs in the traditional silhouette tradition, meaning there is no symmetry as with scherenschnitte.
I cut portrait silhouettes from photographs or from scheduled sittings, at festivals and occasionally as entertainment at parties. I generally only travel in the South Carolina/Northern Virginia/Maryland/Washington DC area for party events. Please email or call me to discuss details.
Did you know...
I received the "International Distinguished Papercutting Arts Master Award" from the EastWest Association of Artists, Inc., New York City.
I was invited to attend the International Papercutting Festival in Datong, China in 2007. The Chinese have one of my cuttings in their new papercutting museum's collection.
Early American Life awarded me the magazine's first Heritage Artisan Award for outstanding craftsmanship! The EAL panel of 20 professional jurors said that "...Marie-Helene's work reflects both a high level of technical excellence in terms of the detail as well as a strong understanding of the historical basis for this type of work... Outstanding!"
I was asked to create an ornament for the White House Blue Room Christmas Tree. It is in their permanent collection.
I collaborated with Secret Garden Kaleidescopes for a design that became part of the laser cut wooden case of their collector kaleidescopes.
I created the artwork for NYC singer Nina Nastasia's newest album and CD. It is called, "On Leaving", her 4th release.
My work receives "Best of Show" awards at many of the shows where I exhibit.
NOTE: This web site is designed primarily for those who have already viewed my work. The pictures in the Galleries are not photographed in high resolution on purpose. I have found my copyrighted work on other sites and printed on t-shirts. Therefore, if you wish to contact me, I will be happy to send you more detailed images. Please keep in mind that in this medium, it is difficult to accurately convey the intricacy and detail as well as the dimensional quality of my work. I hope you can visit me at one of the EXHIBITIONS where I exhibit, so you can study the work "up close".
Thank you for visiting my "Virtual Studio!"
Marie-Helene Grabman
email: scissorcutter@yahoo.com
For more work by me and other talented artists, please check out the following websites:
Traditional Folk Art
http://www.traditionalfolkart.com/
The Guild of American Papercutters
These pictures are the registered, COPYRIGHTED designs of Marie-Helene L. Grabman. They are made available for viewing only. You may not reproduce, print, download or altar these images in any way. You may not distribute these images in any way for free or for profit. ©2000-2015