An artist named Michael Velliquette cut miles with his scissors through paper to come up with some stunning views of hardware. The mechanical parts and working of the gadgets spring into light through his paper art works. His sets layer of paper cut-outs to create a mini version of the mechanical counterparts. He also goes ahead to introduce subtleness.
Paper art works are gradually becoming a new normal in the art world alleys. The universal utility of paper makes it an apple of artists’ eye and secures their preference over other art forms. Not just that, it also gives them the liberty to experiment with its shape and form. Making the best of it, an artist named Michael Velliquette is rocking with his paper art pieces.
The Madison, Wisconsin based artist weaves his art sphere with paper art forms. The artist pours out his knowledge and love for the gadgets and mechanical bits through his art pieces. He walks the distance from his intentions to the result with a straight-edge scissors or an Exacto knife. Not just that, he also looks for the templates, mechanical punches, rulers, and compasses to put down his art spree.
Picking his subject, he settles down to work for his hand at the paper. He goes ahead cutting up layers of paper to come up with stunning art pieces. He then places them bit by bit to erect the mini versions of mechanical bits using acid-free glues and hot adhesives. The artist does not keep it all plain and simple. He loves to come up with intricate designs and built using colorful paper suiting the theme of the art pieces.
Apart from the mechanical hues, he also looks ahead for adding some elements of fancy with dots, etc. festooning the paper stature. He puts his efforts at the end and eventually ends up extending outwards. Keeping in mind, the fragility of the art pieces, he strengthens his paper layers with a white border. Thus, the paper version manages to secure the durability of the mechanical art pieces for the delight of the art lovers.
However, each paper art piece demands a chunk of efforts and time from the artist. He ends up spending hours between 300 and 500 to finish his art pieces with grace and charm. Their designs also vary to let him open up areas of wonder.
Taking on his aim, he shared, “(He) aspire(s) for balance and symmetry in the overall design, but they are not perfectly symmetrical”.
Shedding light on the utility of paper, he shared, “Paper comes in endless forms. It can be used in multiple dimensions. It is easy to handle and manipulate, and it is available anywhere. It is inherently ephemeral, but given the right conditions, it can last for centuries”.
Taking on his latest project, he said, “The work I am now creating is non-pictorial, non-objective, and non-representational in nature. The perspective of these pieces is left intentionally ambiguous: they can be read hung on the wall like bas-relief sculptures or mounted horizontally like architectural studies. There are new issues around engineering and construction that I have had to tackle as my work has evolved in this direction. The broad aim of this investigation is to use three-dimensional structure and intricate detailing to push the boundaries of paper art literally into a new dimension”.
His paper art pieces will grace David Shelton Gallery in Houston this year and Houston Center for Contemporary Craft in 2021.
