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.
12 of the Most Alluring Bugs You've Ever Seen
A collection of 12 beautiful insects I guarantee you've never seen before.
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.
Fall in Love with these Enchanting Paintings..
Kal Gajoum specializes in oil painting and palette knife techniques. Here are his mesmerizing and magnificent paintings.
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.
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!
Want to Paint? Here's a Complete Guide For Taking it Up!
Ever wanted to take up painting as a hobby, but had no clue where to begin? This complete guide to painting and drawing will answer all your questions.
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.
Mexican Music Meets Classical in a Gorgeous Ballet
Igor Moiseev's ballet group mixes Mexican and classical styles to create a gorgeous performance.
Watch 20 of the Best Eurovision 2023 Performances!
Embark on this Eurovision journey and discover your new favorite songs and singers!
Behold the Card Trick Master!
It's always great to see someone who is a real master in what he does.
The Colorful Paper Birds of Zack Mclaughlin
This artist imitates nature almost perfectly with nothing but a little wood and paper.
I Can Guarantee You've Never Seen a Ballet Like This One...
This world famous ballet dancer has taken it upon himself to create an almost perfect new ballet dance.
A Dusty Car Window Is a Canvas For Some People
When some artists spot a dirty car window they take it as an opportunity...
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...
40 Works of Street Art That Will Make You Stop And Think
Many beautiful works of art have been found in the most unique places. These artists make the streets their canvas and pour their hearts out to the world.
The Story of the Woman Behind Botticelli's Venus Painting
This article answers the age-old question: Who is the woman in Botticelli's painting The Birth of Venus?
Mona Lisa's House: Where Da Vinci Painted His Masterpiece
The following photos will allow you to take a peek inside the home of the woman who intrigues millions of art and history lovers around the world.
WATCH: Hungarian Symphony Orchestra Interprets Brahms
The Romantic composer, Johannes Brahms, completed a series of compositions called the Hungarian Dances. Enjoy Hungarian Dance no. 5 in this video.
Andre Rieu Stirs Our Emotions With his Tribute to Sinatra!
Join Andre Rieu and his orchestra in their tribute to the unforgettable Frank Sinatra, as they perform "My Way".
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!
Let 'The Sugar Plum Fairy Dance' Excite Your Xmas Spirit!
What poise ballerina Nina Kaptsova displays in this gorgeous performance of Tchaikovsky's most Christmassy dance!
MUSIC BOX: These Johnny Cash Songs are Just Wonderful
Johnny Cash uniquely crossed several important genres of all-American music. His influence is impossible to underestimate. Enjoy this selection of 20 greats!
Amazing! This Dance is Still Mind-Blowing 76 Years Later!
From the powerful voice of Cab Calloway to the masterful moves of the Nicholas brothers, this fantastic performance continues to hold its own, over 75 years later.
8 Nostalgic Dance Moves that Took the World by Storm
Do you remember the Jitterbug of the 20's, or the Twist of the late 50's and early 60's? Looking back at the moves that hit it big back then, made me think back to a time gone by.
Watch: This Visual Dance Act Is Out of This World!
The amazing dancing couple, Another Kind of Blue, bring new and exciting techniques to Britain’s Got Talent.
Is This Pavarotti's Most Iconic Performance?
What an amazing voice Pavarotti had! I will never tire of listening to him.
The Blindfolded Swordsman - Intense!
Aaron Crow follows a long line of circus performers on the show, with a dangerous act that leaves the judges speechless.
Could You Believe This Art Was Made Out of a Bar of Soap?
Barresi discovered all that he could do with a simple bar of soap.
This Child Makes Any Music Lover Smile With Joy
This child prodigy is an amazing classical music player.
This Elegant Gymnast Will Amaze You!
World renown Rhythmic Gymnast Evgenia Kanaeva shows us her perfect form in a remarkable display.
The Most Beautiful and Rare Glass Collection in the World
This museum is full of the beauty of glass making.
This Emotional Duet Gave Me Goosebumps of Pleasure
These two world-famous artists are amazingly talented singing alone, let alone when they join to give an emotional duet like this.
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.
14 Fantastic Magic Tricks and Illusions You Really Must See
Magic tricks are always fun to watch! So, in this post, we bring you 14 of the best magic tricks and illusions that have been featured on Baba-Mail.
I Can’t Take My Eyes off These Gorgeous Lion Paintings
Enjoy this incredible collection of the most gorgeous classic lion paintings.
It's Amazing What 4 Cellos Can Achieve Together!
Enjoy an incredible mix of classical music and modern tempo when 4 cellists start playing together!
This Paper Art is Unlike Anything You've Ever Seen Before
See the impressive paper art by Haruki Nakurama.
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.
Have You Ever Seen Love Depicted So Beautifully?
These exceptional artists were inspired by love and conveyed their message perfectly. Take a look:
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.
MUSIC BOX: Click to Listen to 12 of ABBA's Best Songs!
We've compiled a list of 12 of ABBA's greatest hits for your listening pleasure.
Let Vivaldi's Music Breathe Renaissance Beauty Over You
Vivaldi is one of the biggest names in all of musical history, and now you can hear why with this collection of 24 of his finest compositions.
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.
This Mongolian Folk Music Sends Shivers Down My Spine
I had never even heard the Mongol language before, much less its traditional throat singing. I have to say the experience is spellbinding.
Don’t Miss This! This Woman’s Crochet Skills Are Insane
Stephanie Pokorny, a talented crochet artist from the US creates the most intricate and spooky costumes for her children every Halloween