We invited north east-England based Paper-cut artist Emma Boyes to design our shop window for the spring season. We gave Emma full reign to design something spectacular with only the words 'springtime' and 'paper-cut' as a guide and she has created a beautiful, colourful design which we installed last week.
Emma started paper-cutting just a few years ago and now she has a thriving online business through facebook where she is commissioned to create beautifully intricate designs for clients, each unique and special in their own way. We wanted to find out where Emma got her inspiration from and how her creative mind works when she creates her designs and our window so we asked her a few questions.
How did you start designing the window?
Usually when I begin designing something I start off with the initial outline that I have in mind and then I just start drawing until the design starts to take shape, but having never designed on this scale before, my mind just went crazy with the possibilities and I found myself surrounded by sheets and sheets of scribbled ideas. It was a really exciting process but I knew I needed to focus so I began to think about how the window and the wall behind and how they could work together and I immediately knew that I wanted to create something with depth.
How did you come up with the design?
I started imagining myself walking through forest and suddenly stopping at a break in the trees and looking out over the view ahead. I love how nature frames views with branches and leaves and I wanted to recreate that feeling within the design. I also wanted to celebrate the start of spring and the new life it brings with pops of colour in the flowers, lush greens fields and a clear blue sky.
The Angel of the North makes an appearance in your design. What made you feature Antony Gormley's sculpture?
I added the Angel because I wanted a scene to represent the north east. I thought about all of the major landmarks and at one point had several within the design but to me, the Angel represents the north east better than any and the rich art culture that the region has to offer.
What do you think of the final result?
I am absolutely delighted with the results and so honoured to have been asked. It is extremely rewarding to see my designs on such a large scale but more importantly, in such an amazing venue.
Emma's window will be on show at BALTIC SHOP until the end of July. If you would like to find out more about Emma Boyes and the paper-cut art that she does, you can find out more on her facebook page.
