Papercutting | Maria McLauchlan
A lovely papercut series of works by local, Maria McLauchlan, was created using up-cycled Paper Trail collateral pieces. Maria has created her interpretation on The Paper Trail in Byron Bay with a sea life sculpture and children skipping around a tree.
Tell us about your background and how you got to be where you are today.
In my past life working overseas, I travelled a lot, and managed to collect journals, notebooks, handmade paper etc. in various forms to feed my paper habit. It is not just the patterns or colours but the actual texture, weaves and watermarks that I love to use.
Where do you call home?
We have just moved to an awesome spot on the NSW north coast called Casuarina. So the whole family is enjoying the beautiful beaches, breathtaking landscapes and quiet towns tucked in the hinterland.
What is your creative process?
I like to have a very clear plan and picture in my head of the end result but when do things work out the way you’ve planned right? So I end up procrastinating a lot. Things like a walk on the beach or a twirl around the back yard usually uncover something interesting that contributes to the end result.
How would you describe your style? How do others describe it?
My style has been described as scientific, precise and sometimes clinical. My interests are constantly changing so I guess my style reflects that. The one constant fascination I have is with paper in it’s various forms, it’s cleanliness, simplicity and endless possibilities have kept me intrigued for years.
How did you develop your style?
An interest in patterns, colours, and the repetitive forms found in the natural world, particularly on the beach and in the ocean have become an increasingly strong influence as I’ve got older. The constraints of a young family have ensured my work in either paper sculpture or pen and ink have to be completed in one sitting before the “mum” holler comes and things need to be quickly cleared away.
Who or what inspires you?
Good coffee, the view from my bedroom window, hearing my kids laughter or watching them run across the back yard to the beach, a hug from Ash or an hour in a gallery are all things I draw inspiration from. In terms of other artists, there are so many!! Here are a few I couldn’t live without…. Paper Sculptors and Cutters; Matthew Sporzynski, Mia Pearlman, Yuken Teruya, Su Blackwell, Kako Ueda, Peter Callesen, Rob Ryan, Elsa Mora and Helfried Hagenberg. Sculptors and Ceramic Artists; Helen Knight, Jason deCaires Taylor ( check out this guys awesome underwater creations), Andy Goldsworthy. Traditional Artists and Printers; John Woolsley, Christina Cordero, Gustav Klimt, Cressida Campbell, John Olsen, James Jean and Banksy.
What is your process for tackling a project?
Usually I break it down into manageable pieces and I love to write lists ( even if they are subsequently ignored!!) and then try to get a part done each day. It does take me too long to get going though as I mull over everything for ages before I start. Any advice?
What are you working on now?
Currently I’m working on a collection of small works in pen and ink and also a series for a local cafe in coffee (as the medium).
Describe your dream studio.
Ahh the dream studio would be the one currently being converted to a nursery (ha, ha, sob).
What do you love most about what you do?
Of course I love the freedom, but the flexible hours and the sense of satisfaction when work exceeds expectations are hard to beat. As is the thrill of being accepted into an exhibition.
‘Bug Box’ (section pictured below) is a finalist in the Wilson Art Award and will be on exhibition from 23rd to 26th August in Lismore, NSW.
