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.
12 Vibrant Natural Landscapes Made with Thread and Needle
Embroidery artist Vera Shimunia captures the beauty and vibrancy nature in her art. From mountain terrains to lovely sunsets, here is some oh her best work.
Our Favorite Artists Painted on their Own Records
This artist breathes new life into damaged vinyl records by turning them into stunning works of art. Come find your favorite in this musical trip down memory lane.
Old Cutlery Turned Into Beautiful Animal Art
Matt Wilson breathes new life into old cutlery by reimagining and molding them as live beings.
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!
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.
These Cute Paintings Celebrate the Playfulness of Mice
Check out American artist Stuart Dunkel’s delightful mouse paintings.
The Most Gorgeous Animal Paintings in History – 16 Pics
Explore the beauty of animals in these amazing paintings from over the years.
10 Fantasy Movies Both Kids and Adults Should Watch
Now is your chance to experience the magical and captivating stories that emerge when humans, elves, monsters, and dragons come together.
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'
This Performer is Going to Take You on a Magical Adventure
A magical act that quickly made its way to my favorites' list.
Art Collection: The Most Beautiful and Original Wood Art
In this post, we showcase some of our most beautiful posts about wood art.
When These Kids Pick Up Guitars Something Amazing Happens
These young North Korean children play like professionals, how is it even possible?
10 Jawdropping Artisan Cakes Inspired by Classic Art
When it comes to confectionery art, it just doesn’t get more luxurious and beautiful than the artisan cakes of Los Angeles based artist, Julie Simon.
Full Length Concert: The Most Magical Classical Gala!
The most incredible classical gala full concert
Whoa! Witness the Perfect Blend of Humor and Magic
You've simply got to see this hilarious magic show about a sad man trying to drink away his troubles...
These Stunning Oil Paintings Show the Brooding Side of Cities
This artist uses various oil painting techniques to produce stunning, atmospheric representations of modern cities.
This Magician's Illusions Will Leave You Stumped
In this video, Ivan Netcheporenko entertains his audience with some brilliant illusions.
These Two Talented Children Definitely Know How to Sing
These two cute children blew everyone away when they took to the stage to give a rendition of the famous song "You Raise Me Up."
The Voice Coming Out of This Girl Is Incredible!
When this 7 year old came to sing at a singing talent show in Norway, no one was prepared for the voice that would come out of her...
These Dancers Are Beyond Anything I've Ever Seen.
Stunning Ballet Acrobatic Performance you have to see to believe.
Did You Know These Famous Artworks Have HIDDEN Messages?
The 7 famous paintings and sculptures we showcase in this article have secret messages waiting to be uncovered!
This Chinese Singer's Vocal Range Will Utterly Astound You
Although she only placed third in a national singing competition in her native China, Jane Zhang has now become a global star. Listen to her mesmerizing voice.
The Most Underrated Christmas Movies You Never Saw
This holiday season, enjoy these underrated Christmas movies.
I Would Rename This Man The Bubble Whisperer...
If there is a bubble expert in this world, we may have found him.
Is This a Troupe of Acrobats or Dancers? Sublime!
This Chinese Acrobat Troupe is not just doing stunts, but has wonderful dancers as well. Don't miss this colorful and energetic performance
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!
Stephanie Rew Creates Lustrous Portraits Dipped in Gold
Admire 13 of Stephanie Rew’s fantastic gold leaf portraits.
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!
A Sublime Musical Courtship that is Both Funny and Beautiful
A delightful rendition of Salsa De La Luna as a romantic interaction between two violins.
This Sublime Classical Performance Will Take You to Heaven
This beautiful video celebrates two wonderful musicians together, one on cello and the other on the violin. Here they play Czardas.
Check Out the Amazing Miniature World This Artist Created!
While we may have only imagined broccoli as little trees, artist Tatsuya Tanaka turned his imagination into reality with these amazing miniature worlds!
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.
This Art May Be Small, but It's Extremely Beautiful!
These breathtaking miniature pieces of art are the works of Japanese Artist Kiyomi. Check out her work, you're bound to be amazed!
This Artist Gives Broken Vessels a Unique Twist
Artist Glen Taylor gives new life to broken ceramics by mending them with wires, scissors, and found objects. See his best works here.
Listen to This Incredibly Beautiful Piece by André Rieu
In this beautiful performance, André Rieu and his Johann Strauss Orchestra perform 'Etude nr. 3 in E-dur' from Frédéric Chopin.
Watch Two Pianists Perform Mozart's Allegro con Spirito
These two pianists put on a stunning performance on stage.
When This Woman Performs, All Eyes Widen...
The Incredible Kseniya Simonova creates beautiful works of art in sand.
10 Famous French Paintings That Will Captivate You
Over the centuries, French painters have created many masterpieces. Here you can find 10 of the most famous French paintings.
This Art Is Beautiful Beyond Belief! Take a Look...
This art is unlike anything you've ever seen. Take a look at this magnificent butterfly art!
30 Hilarious One-Panel Comics the Whole Family Can Enjoy
These clean and lighthearted comics will give you the giggles of a lifetime!
These Miniature Animal Sculptures Are Just Too Cute!
Katie Doka quit her job as a High School teacher and started making miniature animal statues. Here's some of her fantastic work!
The Art of Stone Carving Has Been Brought Back to Life!
This amazing artist makes creating sculptures look almost easy, but watch the video to know the real heart and work that goes into it.
5 Hyper-Realistic Drawings That Just Seem IMPOSSIBLE
Prepare to be amazed by these incredibly lifelike drawings.
How On Earth Were These Famous Faces Recreated?
Crowd art is certainly extraordinary, but these famous faces were not created how you think they were...
INTERACTIVE: 12 of the Most Beautiful Classical Pieces...
By exploring this interactive image you can experience stunning interpretations of timeless melodies, both classic and contemporary. Just click on these keys and watch the magic unfold!
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.