How stunning is this piece by Japanese Kirigami (see below) artist,  Kanako Yaguchi?!?!?!?!

This morning I stumbled upon this interview with the artist at pingmag…i added the wikipedia definition of Kirigami below.  Check it out!

FROM WIKIPEDIA:

Kirigami (切り紙^?) is a variation of origami where the artist is allowed to make small cuts in the paper (from Japanese“kiru” = to cut, “gami” = paper). This enables the artist to enhance the visual presentation of the artwork, at the expense of simplicity. In origami, papercutting is frowned upon by the majority of modern folders, as techniques have advanced enough to make cutting unnecessary for a skilled folder.

Kirigami is sometimes made when certain folds are made in the paper to make a base, or the model without the cuts in it. Then, cuts are made in the base. When all the cuts are made, the base is opened out and flattened to make the finished kirigami. Usually symmetrical objects are made, such as snowflakes, pentagrams, or orchid blossoms.

THE FOLLOWING I DISCOVERED AT:pingmag

 Kanako Yaguchi brings the art of classic cutting paper techniques to another level with her funky textile patterns and clothing and accessory designs.

Written by Ryoko
Translated by Kevin Mcgue

How did you first start designing with paper cuttings?

When I was an art school student, I was always thinking I would like to make something in order to hold a solo exhibition. Probably for that reason, I was consciously searching for something I could do. But there was nothing that I was especially skilled at. There were a lot of people around me who were doing painting and design so well, but I felt it was hard for me to express myself doing the same thing that other people were doing. Then one day, I found someone playing around with paper cutting designs. And I gave it a try myself!

So that is how you discovered it?

Yes. I really just casually tried it out and found that it suited me somehow. That is all really. (Laughs)

Your solo exhibitions mostly feature works from paper cutting designs. How about showing only paper cutting pieces?

That is something that I am working on right now. I think the usual order would be to create paper cutting designs first, and then later hold an exhibition of works based on those designs. However I am doing the opposite!

How did you start creating clothing and accessory patterns in the first place?

I just thought that it is nice to make things you can touch, and wear close to your body. And it is something nice for the people to have. But once at one of my exhibitions, one of the visitors said, “Oh, the designs where taken from paper cutting art!” When I heard that, I realised I had been wrong about my method. I rethought my approach, and now, along side the clothing and accessories, I create pieces with designs also.

Also, you published a book about paper cutting art last year?

I was happy to get the offer to work on a book and made some paper cutting art for close up shots that were used for it. In one chapter entitled Gentle Cut Paper: Analog Voyager, I introduce how to make paper cutting art. The rest of the book features paper cutting using a travel theme.

And do you like travelling yourself?

When I was young, my parents took me on trips to a lot of places, so I really love travelling now. When I was in college, a friend and I went to America twice and travelled around Europe twice. But we spent most of the time walking around places we didn’t know, talking to people we didn’t know, and looking for a place to stay for the night. (Laughs) I learned a lot for that kind of travelling.

It is wonderful that you made books out of your work. How do you continue creating things?

I think I am probably more clumsy than other people, so maybe I have been able to continue because I simply don’t give up. Of course I sometimes encounter problems, or feel sad… but this becomes part of my motivation, and that might be why I have been able to continue.

What have you gained by doing your art?

Making work on my own is a limited form of self-expression. However, if someone looks at my work and has an emotional response or tells me his or her thoughts on the piece, that gives me new energy! That is something very important for me, and helps me improve my skills.

What attracts you to paper cutting?

You can create all sorts of patterns. If you just casually give it a try, you will start to see flowers, snowflakes, and so on. It is interesting to see such things in a material that surrounds us every day. When making paper cutting art, there is no way to correct mistakes, and you only have one chance to cut with the scissors. That is challenging, and it is also interesting that no two designs are identical.

Finally, what are your next plans?

I mentioned this earlier, but my cheap traveling when I was a student was a very valuable experience for me, and became an important milestone. So I would love to travel in the future, exhibiting my art in different places. When I get a feel of new places, I reflect that in my art.

Kanako Yaguchi, thank you for talking with us! We are sure that all your travel dreams will come true, and please continue your most talented work!

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