The award-winning "Scherenschnitte" (scissor cutting) by master papercutter Marie-Helene Grabman, captures the art's original European intricacy but with American themes. Marie-Helene learned this artistic tradition from her German grandmother.

Using surgical scissors, she freehand cuts a single sheet of paper into delicate scenes depicting Amish farm life, woodlands filled with animals and forests of trees. This technique is similar to sculpting - one starts with a blank source and creates the work by cutting parts of it away. Concentration is paramount, since a single wrong cut and the entire work can be ruined. Some of her cuttings have additional papers layered to create a dimensional effect or a colorful focal point. Others have touches of paint or colored pencil detail.

Marie-Helene's work has been collected and exhibited in museums and galleries worldwide. Early American Life awarded Marie-Helene its first "Heritage Artisan Award" for her museum quality work.

To see more of her work please visit www.main.nc.us/openstudio/MHGrabman/




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