Artist Statement :: Jennifer Falck Linssen
I create sculpture in handcarved paper, metal, and natural woven elements, which explore the delicacy of nature, the beauty of line, and the transformation of light and space. Through my work’s investigation of both natural and man-made patterns, I seek to understand how pattern lends overall strength to an object such as the veining in plant leaves, the structure of a moth’s wing, or the crystal formation of snowflakes. The interaction of light, carved patterns, and shifting shadows play with the architectural shape, sculpting an ever-changing landscape in space around each piece.
Katagami, the ancient Japanese paper carving skill I use to create my sculpture, connects me with the past just as each paper bridge or link in my work connects to form a solid, yet open structure. I bridge the gap between our own human scale, the minute and intimate, and the vast and grand by freezing a moment in time, immortalizing it in pattern, light, and shadow. Through these moments, I am comforted in seeing nature’s change, rebirth, resiliency, and endurance.
Technical Information :: Jennifer Falck Linssen
My sculptural vessels and low-relief work are first developed through a series of sketches. Each sketch is an exploration and refinement of the form, pattern, and identity of the piece. The final three-dimensional piece is engineered out of flat paper or metal. I use both handmade and found archival paper in my work. Multiple pattern pieces are first mocked up to assess the shape of the sculpture. The pattern pieces are then handcarved. There are two technical series that run through my work. The katagami series expresses the openness and movement of design. The shoji series explores the translucency of layers. In all of my work the carved and shaped pieces are stitched and woven with metal, bamboo/reed, and waxed linen. In the sculpture’s final state, it is dyed, painted, patinaed, and varnished. This combination of katagami, metalsmithing, and basketry techniques is a unique and contemporary take on an ancient tradition.
2008