Béatrice Coron: Stories cut from paper

Papercutting as a Form of Storytelling

Introduction to Papercutting

• The speaker introduces themselves as a papercutter, emphasizing their unique approach to storytelling through the medium of paper.

• They describe their creative process, which involves visualizing stories and removing excess material from paper to reveal the narrative.

Journey to Becoming an Artist

• The speaker shares their non-linear journey towards becoming an artist, highlighting various odd jobs they held before settling in New York.

• They explain their choice of papercutting due to its accessibility (cheap and light materials) and its graphic efficiency through silhouettes.

Concept of Artist Books

• The speaker discusses creating series of images and portfolios, noting that others recognized them as "artist books."

• They define artist books as fascinating objects for visually narrating stories, whether with or without words.

Language and Cultural Influences

Exploration of Language

• The speaker expresses a passion for language, particularly false cognates between French (their mother tongue) and English (their daily language).

• They introduce the "Spelling Spider," a bilingual project that connects identical words in both languages for instant learning.

Artistic Techniques

• Scroll formats are discussed as convenient for creating large images on small tables; this technique allows viewers to see only parts of the image at once.

• Each window created represents different worlds or perspectives, reflecting the speaker's experiences as an outsider seeking understanding.

Themes in Artwork

Imagining Alternative Realities

• The speaker poses hypothetical scenarios like living in balloon houses, suggesting these could lead to lighter environmental footprints.

Diverse Inspirations

• Their inspirations range from humorous stories like "Dead Beats" to historical narratives such as "CandyCity," addressing serious topics like sugar trade history.

Personal Connection Through Art

Channeling Stories

• The speaker emphasizes creating mindscapes based on personal stories shared by others, allowing them a space to reflect on their lives.

Titles Reflecting Themes

• A list of titles is presented: "ModiCity," "ElectriCity," etc., each representing distinct themes or concepts explored through papercutting.

Physicality and Process

Connection Between Running and Papercutting

• The speaker draws parallels between running marathons and papercutting; both require endurance and physical engagement with the art form.

Major Projects

Hells and Heavens: Free Will and Determinism

Exploring the Concept of Identity

• The discussion contrasts the experiences of individuals, highlighting how similar actions can lead to vastly different outcomes, symbolized as "hells" or "heavens." This reflects themes of free will versus determinism.

• An artist book installation titled "Identity Project" allows viewers to engage with social identities rather than autobiographical ones, emphasizing layers of identity that we present to the world.

Artistic Expression Through Books

• The artist describes a piece called "Fashion Statement," which includes quotes about fashion. It exemplifies the broad definition of an artist book, allowing for interaction beyond traditional display methods.

Public Art and Community Engagement

• The artwork "Floating Memories" in Scottsdale, Arizona represents regional memories influenced by natural elements like wind. The artist expresses a passion for public art and shares their journey through rejections before receiving commissions.

• A unique stainless steel artist book titled "Working in the Same Direction" features weathervanes symbolizing directionality. Each public art project aims to resonate with its specific location.

Literature and Local Culture

• The connection between subway riding and reading is explored; both are seen as forms of travel—temporal and spatial. Bronx literature is highlighted as a focal point for storytelling within this context.

• In San Jose's public library, glass art illustrates local growth through various fruits representing historical influences from indigenous cultures to modern Silicon Valley.

Interactive Learning Spaces

• An orchard walk made from library materials creates an interactive experience centered around knowledge, while a bibliotree symbolizes diverse languages' roots in literature.

Functional Art Installations

• A bench in Aurora, Colorado serves both aesthetic and functional purposes; it humorously leaves temporary imprints on users' skin during summer use.

• Another project titled "Seeds of the Future are Planted Today" transforms protective barriers into floral designs at a Chicago subway station, symbolizing transformation and community connections.

Legacy and Storytelling Through Art

• Collaborating with developers in South Bronx focuses on infusing art into low-income housing projects that reflect neighborhood legacies such as jazz history.

• A poster created for New York City subway cars offers commuters an escape through papercutting techniques combined with digital colorization—termed techno-crafted—to evoke storytelling possibilities.

Imagination as a Narrative Vehicle