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.
22 Award-Winning Photos That Capture the Power of Nature
The International Photography Awards has many categories, but today, we will focus on nature, with 22 stunning highlights from the 2020 competition.
Travel Former Soviet Union Nations Via Beautiful Bus Stops
Photographer Christopher Herwig traveled across the former Soviet Union capturing colorful and creative old bus and subway stations.
What a Stunning Russian Folk Dance Performance!
This beautiful Russian folk dance performance titled "Summer" is truly like a ray of sunshine and a breath of fresh air!
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.
Admire the Detail and Beauty of Hank Cheng’s Dioramas
Hank Cheng's vivid and detailed miniature models, depicting mostly his hometown in Taiwan, are seeing success around the world and rightfully so.
These Flower Drawings Could Easily Be Mistaken for Photos
The artist CJ Hendry captures the intricate beauty of flowers in her detailed drawings that could be easily mistaken for photographs.
String Pulling Art - the Newest Art Technique Out There
Fluid string-pulling art is a fairly new and intriguing art technique that uses chains, strings, and colorful paints to create amazing bouquets of flowers
The Most Creative Street Art From Around the World
A collection of 11 of the most beautiful and creative street art we've come across.
This Extraordinary Girl Sings Her Audience to Sweet Tears
By singing this Broadway class 'Defying Gravity' so amazingly, 12-year-old Beau Dermott defies her age. She could be the next singing sensation.
The Sublime Beauty of Botticelli's Paintings...
Admire the eternal beauty of the paintings of Sandro Botticelli, an Italian Renaissance artist, who had the gift of painting people gracefully.
10 of the Most Famous Renaissance Paintings
The Renaissance period had some of the greatest artists in history. Here are ten of the most famous paintings from this period.
Stunning! This Miniature Bird Art is Made from Paper
Check out this stunning miniature bird art.
10 of the Most Famous Dog Paintings Throughout History
Dogs have been a part of art history through the ages. Let’s explore some of the most famous dog paintings ever made.
Is This 10-Year-Old Frank Sinatra Re-Incarnate?
This boy was born blind, but sings like a certain famous singer.
Watch These Acrobats Defy Gravity in an Amazing Circus Act
You’ll be on the edge of your seat watching these talented Russian circus acrobats perform feats on the teeterboard like you've never seen.
Acrobats on Unicycles? Now I Really Have Seen It All...
These Chinese unicycle acrobats will completely blow you away! Check out their daring performance here.
11 Stunning Victorian Buildings Around the World
In this article, we list 11 of the finest examples of Victorian-era architecture. You’ll surely recognize some of them!
The Most Beautiful and Rare Glass Collection in the World
This museum is full of the beauty of glass making.
This Unique Art Works Mimic Life in a Beautiful Way
These insects may look real, but they are made entirely out of bamboo.
What This Man Does With Bubbles Will Astound You
I've never seen anyone blow bubbles like that. This performer is a bubble magician!
André Rieu In Another Beautiful Operatic Sensation!
In this video, we are treated to an incredible rendition of Caro Nome by an incredibly skilled operatic singer.
She Uses Her Fingers to Create Realistic, Beautiful Art...
This artist uses a unique method to create stunning, icy landscapes
Watch Carlos Kleiber's Stunning Interpretation of Beethoven
Carlos Kleiber was a legendary conductor who brought an extra level of pizzazz to his performances. Enjoy his interpretation of Beethoven in this video.
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'
When Done Right, Shadow Dancing is Incredible to Watch!
This amazing act brings shadows to life in incredible detail and beauty.
Astonishing! Animals Through the Eyes of Human Creativity
This collection of breathtaking artworks will capture your attention like no other, as it's all about our best friends forever - animals.
This 'Frozen' Shadow Dance Is Out of This World
Shadow Theatre VERBA presents their performance called 'Frozen', which has already enchanted millions of people from around the world.
Jason Gamrath Makes the Most Extravagant Glass Flowers
These glass flowers by Jason Gamrath are colorful, huge and exquisite. From orchids to fly catchers, these big glass flowers are shown in beautiful photos.
These 3D Paintings Appear to Pop Out Of the Sidewalk!
This has to be the most unique street art you'll ever see. This Russian artist's incredible work appears to come alive out of sidewalks in major cities.
12 of the Best Lesser-Known Tales from the Arabian Nights
In this article, we explore some of the obscure stories from Arabian Nights that have been overlooked in popular culture.
Is This Pavarotti's Most Iconic Performance?
What an amazing voice Pavarotti had! I will never tire of listening to him.
Macedonian 3D Artist Puts a Modern Twist on Mythology
Models of ancient gods and figures of myth with a modern twist
If You Love Classical Music, You MUST Hear This Pianist
When it comes to musical talent, it doesn't get better than Yuja Wang. Enjoy this lovely performance by the famed classical pianist.
Enjoy 24 Songs by the Legendary Eric Clapton
On the 30th of March, 2020, is Eric Clapton's 75th birthday, and we'd like to celebrate it with him by listening with you to 24 of his greatest hits.
Watch 32,000 Dominoes Fall in Perfect Synchronisation
We present to you 4 minutes of uninterrupted and absolutely incredible domino action, chock full of bright colors and great pictures.
This Child Makes Any Music Lover Smile With Joy
This child prodigy is an amazing classical music player.
The Most Beautiful Stained-Glass Pieces You Will Ever See
Synonymous with luxury and fame, his works are scattered everywhere in the U.S.: from the White House to, quite possibly, your nightstand.
Watch Andre Rieu Masterfully Perform 'The Last Rose'
Watch Andre Rieu and the Johann Strauss Orchestra masterfully perform their version of 'The Last Rose' while they were touring the Netherlands.
If You Think Celtic Music is Dead, You Should Hear This
Hayley Westenra's enchanting performance proves beyond doubt that Celtic music is far from being consigned to the annals of history. Listen to her now.
Watch This Young Singer Completely Nail 'O Sole Mio'
Watch the young and incredibly talented Amira Willighagen performing the classic song, 'O Sole Mio' alongside the legendary Patrizio Buanne.
Ever Wondered What People Looked Like 5000 Years Ago?
Have you ever wondered what ancient people actually looked like? This sculptor gives us a good idea of exactly that.
Feast Your Eyes on Some Wonderful Realist Art
The Realism art movement originated in France in the 1850s. Take a look at these 7 famous paintings from the Realism art movement to feast your eyes upon.
Witness This Incredible Musical Performance by True Masters
Dutch orchestra leader Guido Dieteren joins forces here with powerhouse singer Wendy Kokkelkoren to bring you a rendition of "You Raise Me Up" the likes of which you've never heard before.
These Realistic Works of Art are Made with a Ballpoint Pen
Take a look at Andrey Poletaev's stunning ballpoint pen art.
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.
Ever Wondered What a REAL Tango Looks Like? So Beautiful!
The dance of Tango is one full of beauty and passion.
WATCH: This Dancing Family of 12 Is So Adorably Talented
This exciting dance and music performance is unique, because it's entirely the product of one very large and talented American family. They blew me away!