Think back to the first time you saw a Cirque du Soleil performance. Remember how it made you rethink what it is to be a circus? Beth White’s astonishingly intricate silhouettes are doing the same thing for the centuries-old practice of paper cutting. She is redefining the art. |
Historically considered a poor cousin to photography and portraiture, silhouettes—the name comes from Etienne de Silhouette, the miserly finance minister under Louis XV—once provided an affordable alternative to those more-expensive art forms. And the stereotypical image many have of a silhouette (also called scherenschnitte in German) is the child’s profile hanging in an oval frame on Grandmother’s bedroom wall. |
"What I do is take a black piece of paper, and I draw the image I want on the back. And then I cut away what I don’t want,” she said, even as the pieces hanging around her on the walls of her Sylvan Park condominium bespeak a more complex origin. What White really does is render beautiful, sophisticated images using elaborate patterns that she painstakingly cuts away using a No. 11 X-Acto knife while wearing jeweler’s glasses. The result is art with a wow factor, which has appeared on album covers, book jackets, her own line of greeting cards, and in private collections around the world. |
Perhaps in homage to the heyday of silhouettes in the nineteenth century, many of White’s pieces have a wistful, yesteryear quality to them. “That’s my favorite period,” said White, a Maryland native who came to Nashville in 1973 after graduating from Tulane. “I like the ‘40s, and I did some ‘50s work, and I’ve done modern silhouettes too, but I don’t like them as much. They don’t have the charm. The nineteenth century was a charming era,” she said. |
Recurrent motifs in White’s work, particularly in her earlier pieces, include women, cats, and open windows with curtains wafting in a gentle breeze. “The windows started as a way to layer things; then you have to put somebody in front of them, and women are more fun to do than men. They’re more sensual, and they have more curves; they have more things—physical features, clothing—that you can work with in silhouette. And cats have a sensual thing to them that I really like.” |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Submitted by: Jackie D.
16 Of Nature's Best Unintentional Works of Art
Sometimes the most moving and beautifully effortless works of art are the ones created by nature, without man's interference.
15 Cakes That Are Too Gorgeous to Eat
In the right hands, an ordinary cake can become a real work of art. Marvel at these 15 incredibly-realistic cakes by the UK-based baker - Emma Jayne.
Planet Earth is So Diverse and Beautiful!
This video will take you on a stunning journey around the world, its most beautiful spots, and most remarkable people.
These Stunning Photographs Capture the Glory of Nature
The winners and finalists of the BigPicture Natural World Photography Competition highlight how breathtakingly gorgeous our Earth is.
When Art and Technology Meet: Beautiful-Laser Cut Pieces
These artists utilize laser cutting techniques to create the most intricate and beautiful artworks - from ornaments to 3D books.
Watch This Melodious Judy Collins Performance from 1976
In this vintage video, singer Judy Collins performs her hit song "Both Sides Now" during a 1976 concert.
This Version of Hallelujah is So Serene and Special
Violin prodigy Karolina Protsenko and the talented saxophonist Daniele Vitale joined forces, in this incredible duet of Leonard Cohen’s classic ‘Hallelujah'
It's a Pleasure Watching This Couple Dance This Old Dance
Even if you're not a fan of swing music, you cannot help but admire this talented couple.
Paintings Have Never Looked More Real Than This Artist's
Can you believe these art pieces by Jason de Graaf aren't photos?
The Magic Begins When These Wooden Sculptures Start Moving
Kinetic sculptures are moving art pieces that marry physics and art into a mind-boggling combination no one should miss out!
The Most Unbelievable Acrobatic Display in History!
What happens when dozens of acrobats work together to create a human net? Utter magic is what happens.
Watch These Guys Dance From the 1950s to Modern Age
See this dance troupe perform incredible dances that represent the ages from the 1950s to now.
Wow! I've Never Seen Such a Great Accordion Player Before!
Watch as Raffaele blows the Italy's Got Talent judges and audience away with his performance of Vivaldi's "The Four Seasons" on his accordion.
Relax With a Few Moments of Heavenly Music
Take a few moments for yourself. Close your eyes and let the smile spread on your face as this sweet music spreads in the air.
This Adorable 5 Year Old Plays the Piano Like a Virtuoso
This 5 year old plays piano so well, she's a real master of the craft.
The Secret Stories of 10 Art Masterpieces
From the Mona Lisa to The Scream, every piece of Art has a story, a vibrant and colorful history, and a far deeper meaning behind it. We bring you ten of our favorite stories behind these amazing works of Art!
Beethoven Would Have Loved This Beautiful and Musical Ode
A beautiful and mesmerizing ode to the beautiful and classic music of Beethoven.
This Girl's Ventriloquism Skills Are Out of This World!
12-year-old Darci Lynne went on this year's America Got Talent and wowed the judges with her ventriloquism act. Take a look here!
This Artist's Paintings Seem to Pop Out of Their Canvas...
Be mesmerized by the incredible life-like paintings by the talented Gustavo Silva Nuñez.
Prepare Your Ears for Another André Rieu Musical Triumph!
Enjoy another jewel of a performance from our favorite Dutch musician, André Rieu
Magnificent Metal Sculptures of Animals Made From Cutlery
Matt Wilson is an artist from South Carolina. His art is created from knives, forks or cuillères, in which he bends the metal to his will, bringing various types of animals to life.
Impressive! I Can't Believe What This Illusionist Does!
If you love a good magic trick! You'll love this!
Listen to This Stunning Rendition of a Christmas Classic
Pentatonix is an acapella group that is known throughout the world for its members' singing ability. Listen to them perform a Christmas classic in this video.
This Artist takes Generic Photos & Spices them with Doodles
When generic photos meet a creative illustrator, everything is possible...
More Harm Than Good: The Worst Art Restoration Attempts
This video is about to show you the very amusing (to us) and worst art restoration attempts in history.
This Elegant Gymnast Will Amaze You!
World renown Rhythmic Gymnast Evgenia Kanaeva shows us her perfect form in a remarkable display.
15 Incredible Paintings That Every Art Lover Must Know...
Here are some of the greatest paintings in art history. What do they mean to you?
I Was Blown Away by the Detail in these Spectacular Art Works
Calvin Nicholls' technique seems to be a cross between drawing and sculpture. He uses fine lines of an intricate sketch, yet captures three-dimensionality of a statue. This is a collection of his incredible work.
The Bewitching, Romantic Paintings of Daniel Gerhartz
This artist creates beautiful and realistic scenes.
WATCH: This Magician Will Leave You Utterly Speechless...
Kevin James is considered to be one of the best magicians in the entire world, and this evidenced by his Best Comedy Magician victory at the World magic Awards.
I've Never Seen a Choir Do THIS...
I don't think anyone has ever attempted what this choir is doing with ease!
This Guitarist Plays Some Great Songs From 1680 to 2017
This video will take you through the evolution of music, featuring songs from 1680 to 2017.
Music Box: 20 Beautiful Covers of Beloved Rock Ballads
Presenting a collection of the best ballads, reimagined as unique piano covers that add a new level of emotion and originality.
This Couple Will Make You Fall in Love With Salsa!
Welcome to the new level of salsa dancing when the two dancing are world champion professional cabaret salsa dancers...
These Paintings Transport You to a Pastoral Dream World
Denmark's most famous landscape painter is one of the art world's greatest secrets. Have a look at these wondrous examples of his work.
There’s a Side to Michelangelo’s Artwork You’ve Never Seen
Take a look at the work of artist Michelangelo, beyond the Sistine Chapel and the statue of David, and created by him over 70 years.
Art Explanations: Rembrand’s Most Famous Painting
'The Night Watch' by Rembrandt is among the most recognized paintings in the world, but what makes it a masterpiece?
This Unique Cabaret Act Is Guaranteed to Amaze You!
You won't believe this stunning, gravity defying act.
What a Fantastically Creative Musical Performance!
The Piano Guys do it again with this mix of classical and modern music that creates an unforgettable performance.
Andre Rieu Sings a Wonderful Song For a Beloved Singer
Andre Rieu and Orchestra Playing Heal The World By Michael Jackson
13 Iconic Paintings that Changed the Art World Forever
These artists changed the art scene, shaking the world, and leaving a special mark in the historian art scene forever.
The True Story About the Pursuit of Happiness
Watch as this video takes you into the hunt for happiness, our common goal, as we trudge through the monotony of every day life
INTERACTIVE: Enjoy 15 of the Frank Sinatra's Greatest Hits
Whether you're a long-time fan or discovering his genius for the first time, this journey through Sinatra's greatest hits is sure to stir the soul and swing the heart!
This Artist's Level of Realism Is Out of This World!
Thanks to the power of digital art, this incredible artist creates this stunningly realistic portraits. Check out some of his finest works here.
Listen to this 7 Year Old Musician, You Won't Regret It...
And a little boy shall lead them...
WATCH: Brightman & Bocelli's Musical Masterpiece
Sarah Brightman and Andrea Bocelli possess two of the most famous voices in the entire world, so you can imagine what happens when they join forces. Watch.
The Most Emotional Performance of 'A Thousand Years'
Watch the Piano Guys completely stun the audience with their rendition of the timeless classic, 'A Thousand Years.'