Exhibit Essay
A papercut is an original design that has been hand-cut from paper. Simple cutting tools and the hands of an artist are the only materials needed. Knives, scissors and even sheep shears can be used to manipulate paper. Works can be further developed with layering of paper and the addition of paint, fabric, metal and other mediums. The artworks in Universal Language were inspired by many different sources. Themes of nature such as animals, flowers, and landscapes, can be seen in many of the images. Religious and ethnic motifs are also featured prominently. Even the mundane scenes of the everyday life are in evidence.

Typically, designs are first drawn on paper. For symmetrical designs, paper can be folded multiple times before cutting. Paper is not folded for asymmetrical designs. Some artists choose not to draw out ideas but rather to cut freehand, directly from their imagination. Papercuts are not made by machines, dye cuts or laser cuts. Nor are papercuts used for any type of mass production.

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