I AM PAPER

Welcome to the paper version of yourself. This is a particular kind of anatomy,  made of Japanese mulberry paper and using the gilded edges of old books. They are constructed by a technique of rolling and shaping narrow strips of paper called quilling, or paper filigree. Quilling was first practiced by Renaissance nuns and monks who made artistic use of the gilded edges of worn out bibles, and later by 18th century ladies who made artistic use of lots of free time (good on them!). Lisa Nilsson finds quilling exquisitely satisfying for rendering the densely squished and lovely internal landscape of the human body in cross section. Her work opens the doors to a more relaxed inspection of our flesh and bones. It’s also a way to appreciate the skills of an artist who has literally elected an old technique for a new form of art. Lisa introduces us to the wonderful perfection of nature, its complicated creativity and silent inventiveness. On the other hand, it’s a sharp representation of our colorful fragility. We are really volatile. This post is in praise of Lisa’s unique and inspiring work.