Midlife Modern: Solo Exhibit (with giveaway and special offer!)

Some art is born of  color. Some art is born of fashion. Some art is born of words, of music, of clay.

Some art is born of scissors.

Scissors–noun
1. (used with a singular or plural verb) a cutting instrument for paper, cloth, etc., consisting of two blades, each having a ring-shaped handle, that are so pivoted together that their sharp edges work one against the other (often used with pair of). (Dictionary.com)

Midlife Modern is one such shop. Armed with just scissors and paper, shop owner Deb manages to create some of those most interesting pieces this curator has seen, conceptual and aesthetically.

Take, for example, a series of animals on cake pedestals:

I’m positively over the moon for her card sets, though I know I’d buy them and never be able to mail them out. Yes, they are THAT cute. Check out the dogs in purses:

Purse dogs not your thing? How about cats or birds?

There is so much to explore in this shop that we dare not give it all away here. Doorstops. Plates. Pendants. All the work of that glorious tool: a pair of scissors. Deb was kind enough to give us a glimpse into her world of cut and paste.

Curator B: Can you give us a brief bio of your life in the arts?

Scissors and glue alone? I received my training in art from my first grade teacher, Mrs. Talleson. I’m sure she didn’t see much artistic talent in my lumpy paste smeared creations but I sure enjoyed those blunt scissors and that minty paste. I grew up in a family of makers, builders, painters, sewers, growers….guess I’ve always been crafty and always been supported in that.

Curator B: How did you learn the art of collage?

I’ve always had it in my head that I could cut images. A few years ago I needed new business cards for my flower biz and cut some strong simple floral images that made great cards. I just kept on snipping and experimenting.

Curator B: Can you take us through the making of a collage, from the initial ideas through the actual process?

The collages start as an experience. I’ll see an animal or a plant or an object and catch a glimpse of the line that gives it personality. The image will roll around in my noggin until I find the scrap of paper that will add another layer to that image. Once I figure out how to cut a figure I will cut it over and over until I lose interest and move on to something else.

Curator B: You know I’m a total sucker for the cake collages. What is the genesis of this series?

The cake series got it’s start in the pedestals/cake plates. I love folding paper and cutting to see what it becomes. The curvy bases of pedestals make them irresistible to me. Once you have a pedestal you need a cake. A cake alone, unless you can eat it, is boring so I have fun dropping animals on and around them.

Curator B: Do you have a favorite material for cutting? How do you choose what papers/books to use? Are they scared of you at the library?

I love my art books the most. They entertain me while I’m paging through. I’ve never had a class in art history or art appreciation or art anything so I’m free to enjoy the old text books. Choosing is just an impulsive thing. I”ll see a bit of paper that will add a layer of interest to the collage and bingo, it’s a fawn or a cake. I love to see beautiful old images, words, etc. play off of my simple cut form. It tells another story for me. I haven’t been in a library for years. Not because I’m banned or don’t love them but because I owe so many past due fines that I can’t afford to make an appearance.

Curator B: Do you have a current favorite in your shop right now? What makes a favorite?

I like them all. They all bring back good memories and make me smile.

Curator B: What should we expect from Midlife Modern in the coming months? Years?

I’m just making this up as I go along so I expect I’ll try new things, make more collages, make some abstract stuff and make some things that have nothing to do with collage. I’d like to do some larger pieces and may even make a new etsy shop.

Deb has graciously offered to give away one of her shop items to one lucky stalker this week. Get this: stalk Midlife Modern, name your favorite item in the comments section of this post, and if you are the lucky winner (chosen at random on Saturday, May 9th 5:00 EST), you will win that very same favorite item. How cool is that?! Plus, and this one might be even cooler, she’s extended the following offer to every one of our lovely stalkers: purchase something from her shop, mention in the “notes to the seller” that you are a Stalker and found her here, and she will throw in a little bonus paper collage with your purchase.

Hope to it, dear Stalkers!

Curator Beatrice

Tagged as: Fine Art, Nature, paper goods, Solo Exhibits (Archives)