Cut Straight to the Heart
Packed away in some box in the basement of my childhood home is a well-worn copy of The Paper Crane by Molly Bang. I loved this book as a child and could rightly claim that I still do. The story was classic and darling and, perhaps more importantly, I have always loved art in cut and torn paper.
And so, I have been delighted lately to encounter contemporary bands employing this style in their music videos. I would like to share a few I have enjoyed of late, and I would love to receive any recommendations for other music videos or art in this style.
First, I offer the recent song "Oslo Novelist" by Grand Archives, depicting the adventure of a mustachioed spaceman slash novelist. What a job description! Did I mention he drinks red wine in a rocket? Winner.
Next, I present, as I have likely presented before, "Furr" by Blitzen Trapper. The video depicts the song's tale with original art, found illustrations and photographs. Be still my heart! As an aside, their album "Furr" has a handful of simply brilliant tracks and, despite lacking consistent quality, is absolutely worth a listen or two.
Lastly, I recently found "Camilo (The Magician)" by Said the Whale. I am reasonably certain the little boy, who is always catching on fire (1:47 is AMAZING), is rendered with computer graphics but the style is the same.
Enjoy, and please share!
From maribeth
Commented February 12th, 2010 9:20 am
Drrrrreeeew, once again a common thread for us
Reading to the girls has opened up a new world of art to me... one of my new found loves is papercut illustrations.
One of our favorite artists is Steve Jenkins. He takes papercutting to a new level! We love him because he combines science with awesome art. Check it out: http://www.stevejenkinsbooks.com/
Another one we love is Denise Fleming: http://denisefleming.com/
watch her process video, pretty cool.
I even used this process with kindergarten & 1st graders in a papermaking/book making class I taught last year. Big fun, try it!
We have a few of her books at home
Another artist is Sandy's sister Erica. She has some good stuff, including a 4 ft (?) portrait of their mother. I will look for some pics for you.
hugs, mb
From drew
Commented February 12th, 2010 10:41 am
Thank you for sharing, Maribeth! These all are great.
I forgot to mention Nikki McClure, who did the 'Congregate' print I brought you a few years ago. There's a fantastic video of her process. She makes all her art by cutting paper with an Exacto blade. It's incredible.
http://vimeo.com/3627466
From maribeth
Commented February 12th, 2010 4:23 pm
Drew!
Love it!
I didn't know her work was in papercutting.
Now I want one of each piece I saw in the video!!!
especially the birds & eggs, so perfect
peace,
mb
From Melanie
Commented February 12th, 2010 5:20 pm
is that a Plexiglas bubble around the spaceman's head? Does it have a mouth opening? How is he managing to drink wine?
from your practical mom.
From Melanie
Commented February 13th, 2010 6:37 am
Andrew: May I suggest that you and your fellow ultimate friends look into the obituary of Fred Morrison? He was in the Army Air Corps, as was your grandfather, but you may be interested in him for a different reason.
From colie
Commented February 13th, 2010 8:02 am
Perhaps I was a bigger fan, but you've forgotten:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Ylskfqlh84
I wanted the pic of the pantry from "Pancakes, Pancakes!" but that was a no go on the web. I'm fairly certain that image is largely responsible for my life love for jars!
From drew
Commented February 13th, 2010 8:22 am
Mom, my friends and I certainly saw news of the death of the inventor of the Frisbee. Thank you.
Nicole, I had not forgotten Eric Carle, but The Paper Crane was always the more iconic book in this style for me.