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.
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.
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.
I've Seen Paper Portraits Before, But Never Like THIS!
Paper art like you've never seen before, created from raw intuition, paper, and glue.
Breathtaking Photos of the Largest of Moons in the Sky
This is a real time video of the moon rising over the Mount Victoria Lookout in Wellington, New Zealand. People had gathered up there this night to get the best view possible of the moon rising, as it promised to be quite a sight.
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!
Old Cutlery Turned Into Beautiful Animal Art
Matt Wilson breathes new life into old cutlery by reimagining and molding them as live beings.
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
This Artist Uses Sand to Express True Beauty
This artist makes gorgeous paintings by using sand and her hands alone.
5 Hyper-Realistic Drawings That Just Seem IMPOSSIBLE
Prepare to be amazed by these incredibly lifelike drawings.
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.
On an Emotional Musical Night in Croatia This Happened...
Watch the fantastic musical treat 2Cellos gave to an adoring crowd of music lovers when they returned to their home patch of Croatia.
André Rieu Amazes Us With a Gorgeous "I Will Survive"!
André Rieu joins forces with powerhouse singer Dorona Alberti to sing "I Will Survive".
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.
Enjoy a Classic Beethoven Piece in 360 Degrees!
Enjoy looking at the different musicians as they create gorgeous music, so you enjoy with both ears and eyes!
Music Box: 20 Unforgettable Hits by Donnie Osmond!
To celebrate Donny Osmond's birthday on December 9th, we have curated a collection of twenty nostalgic songs performed by him and some special friends.
You've NEVER Heard Anything Like These 2000 Marbles...
This genius has built a machine that uses 2000 marbles to create lovely music. You don't see this every day...
Hand Painted Glassware Art That Will Take Your Breath Away
These 16 wonderful, brightly-colored glassware created by a talented Ukrainian artist are a delight to the eyes!
These Miniatures are Worth Their Weight in Gold...
Jon Almeda's miniature creations are worth their weight in gold...
David Hockney: From Oil Painting to Digital Art
Now in 2022, we look at David Hockney's art as it evolved with each decade, always challenging norms. We're analyzing six decades of his artistic career.
Have You Ever Seen Hand-Cut Paper Look So Beautiful?
These hand-cut paper artworks are simply stunning, because of their extraordinary level of detail. They have inspired me to give it a go myself!
The Shocking Hidden Secrets of 7 World Famous Paintings
Even paintings that have been seen for hundreds of years can reveal long lost secrets. These 7 mysteries have finally been cracked.
These Cute Paintings Celebrate the Playfulness of Mice
Check out American artist Stuart Dunkel’s delightful mouse paintings.
A Huge Domino Display with 35,000 Pieces!
This marvelous domino display is made of 35,000 pieces, as well as a lot of other objects that add to the fun. Watch it all unfold!
Stunning Underwater Statues From Around the World.
These underwater sculptures may at first glance seem misplaced, but once you find out their special purpose, you will never look at them the same again!
Check Out These Surreal Artists and Their Amazing Artworks
In this post we have brought you a collection of 8 surreal artists, each with their own artistic style and unique imagination
15 Unforgettable Paintings by Marc Chagall, Explained
You can explore Marc Chagall's 15 greatest works, presented from various periods in his life.
Elton John’s Hits Absolutely Stand the Test of Time
Sometimes music is all you need to make your day better! Enjoy these timeless hits by Elton John.
This Paper Art is Unlike Anything You've Ever Seen Before
See the impressive paper art by Haruki Nakurama.
Henri Matisse: King of the Wild Artists Movement
Henri Matisse has a place in the Hall of Fame of avant-garde art. This article tries to explore why.
This Classic Dance Takes an Unforeseen Turn...
Watch and gasp as these two amazing dancers jump, fly and float like two feathers in the wind. Outstanding.
This Stunning Embroidery Art is Truly a Sight to Behold!
Vera Shimunia is a Russian artist who has truly mastered the art of embroidery painting. Check out some of her stunning work here!
You Won't Believe How Much People Paid For These Paintings
There are some paintings in this world that cost so much money, it's enough to make your eyes water. Here are the most expensive paintings ever sold.
These Stunning Chinese Acrobats are Pure Perfection...
Whether you're into acrobatics or not. this show will boggle your mind!
Steve Hewlett: Fancy Ventriloquist!
On the semi final stage of Britain's got talent the audience got a great surprise with Steve Hewlett's terrific ventriloquism performance!
Art Can Take on Many Forms and This Type is Remarkable!
Some people may think of murals as a form of vandalism, which is in fact just another art form we need to appreciate. Here re 10 stunning murals from around the world that will undoubtedly leave you spellbound.
Wow! Who Knew Wood and Resin Could Make Great Jewelry?
In 2015, Miha Debeljak decided to take up woodwork as a hobby to create some stunning jewelry. Check out some of her artworks here!
These Videos Reveal What Cities Looked Like 100 Years Ago!
Watching old movies is like time travel. A selection of these 15 films will let you travel to several cities of the past, such as New York and Paris.
12 Movie Dances That Captured Our Imagination!
Johnny and Baby from Dirty dancing, Danny and Sandy from Grease and many more are waiting to show you their unforgettable and memorable dance moves!
When Waltz and Skating Combine Ever So Sweetly
André Rieu once again brings to life a beautiful classical music performance, this time pertaining to ice skating.
What This Man Built for Himself Will Astound You...
This artist decided to create a miniature version of the French capital.
10 Famous Landscape Artists and Their Masterpieces!
Are you a fan of landscape art? If so, we have just the treat for you here! Here you’ll find 10 of the most famous landscape artists and their masterpieces.
Artist Creates Incredibly Detailed 3D Paintings on Glass
The detail in these incredible 3D glass paintings of animals is unbelievable! See for yourself...
Watch Swan Lake Like You Have Never Seen it Before!
Wow, these ballet dancers are so good that they'll take your breath away. Check them out!
A Gorgeous Cover of a Beautiful Classic...
Watch two incredible artists use voice and cello to bring this classic song to 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!
Artist Proves You're Never Too Old to Follow Your Dreams
Take a look at this incredible art collection of classic cars by Shanon Fannin.
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.