Patterns of Influence at the Craft Council of BC

After more than a year of hard work I am pleased to present my new solo show, Patterns of Influence, at the Craft Council of BC. The exhibition runs from May 20th to July 1st, 2021.

Due to Covid 19 restrictions there will not be an official opening event.

Rachael Ashe presents a new series of cut paper art and installations inspired by a maximalist’s love of surface design. This exhibition of intricate work was created through hands-on cutting and carving of paper, exploring pattern design and the concept of “slow work”. Slow work means creating mindfully and savouring the process while allowing it to take as much time as needed.

The exhibition demonstrates a new direction in Ashe’s paper art, elevating the complexity of her design elements. Inspiration is drawn from everyday life — clothing, interior design, and architecture — which are combined with patterns spontaneously generated during the process of cutting.

Central to the show is a modular installation of thirty-six individual hand-cut pieces created over five years, featuring Japanese and Islamic patterns, arranged as three-dimensional tiles. The exhibition also features limited edition hand-cut screen-prints in collaboration with The Hive Printing.

Patterns of Influence
Dates: May 20th to July 1st, 2021
Time: Tuesday to Sunday, 11am to 5pm, Thursdays to 8pm
Location: 1386 Cartwright St, Granville Island

The exhibition is part of the Crafted Vancouver festival.

 

The Beauty of Metallic Foil Paper

I love metallics and have used them in my work in various ways over the years, mostly as inks or paints applied to paper. When we were in Berlin a few years ago, I was excited to find rolls of metallic foil paper in the fantastic art and design store Modulor. I came back with a roll of copper, and Boris brought me back a whole range of other colours when he went to Berlin again on a business trip.

I had previously done a few test cut pieces with this material but hadn’t yet tackled anything beyond that until recently. Just before Christmas I pulled some of it out to do more tests and see how well it would work in creating a cut paper design. The material “tests” became finished pieces that I ended up framing because they worked out so well.

I drew the designs using a mechanical pencil (as I always do) and was interested to see it scores the metal paper more than marks it with the graphite but it makes it easy to see the lines and follow them when cutting. There is potential to do a piece by scoring a design into the material rather than cutting.

Hand-cut copper foil paper

It is a slightly thick material but no more difficult to cut through than other papers I work with. I did need to change the blade more than I would have working on a similar sized piece in fibre-based paper. Maybe three blades were used when usually one would be sharp enough at this scale.

Hand-cut silver foil paper

I’m hoping to work with this material again soon and create a few larger pieces utilizing the full colour range of metallic foil papers I have on hand.

You can find these two framed and ready to hang in my online shop.

Studio Sale Preview

My studio sale has been on for a week so far, and things are going fast. I’ve already sold nine pieces, which is amazing. It’s been wonderful to see people connect with these long hidden pieces of work, and have them finally find a forever home.

I thought I’d share some of the work that is still available. Please get in touch you if see something you are interested in or schedule a visit through my booking calendar. Most of the work in the studio sale is priced at $250 and under because they are unframed and unmounted. 

Painted cut paper, 16″ x 22″ (SOLD)

 

Lino print and cut paper, 19.25″ x 23.75″

 

Paper cut painting with acrylic ink

 

Optical art paper cut, 15″ x 19.75″ (SOLD)

 

Circle star paper cut, 14″ x 17″ (glare from plastic bag)

 

Paper cut circles, 14″ x 17″ (SOLD)

 

Concentric triangles, 14″ x 17″

 

Gel pen drawing, 15.75″ x 19.75″

 

Gel pen drawing, 11.5″ x 15.75″

 

Laser cut wood, 16″ diameter (SOLD)

 

Framed embroidery in paper, 12″ x 12″

 

Framed embroidery in paper, 12″ x 12″

 

French knots in paper, 10″ x 13″

 

Ink drawing & French knots, 8.5″ x 11″

 

French knots in paper, 8.5″ x 11″

 

Bird collage, 6″ x 6″ (SOLD)

 

Bird collage, 6″ x 6″ (SOLD)

 

Altered book assemblage, 12″ x 16″ (SOLD)

 

Altered book assemblage, 12″ x 16″ (SOLD)

 

More to come in an additional blog post.

Studio Sale – Artwork in Need of Forever Homes!

 

For the month of February, I will be hosting my semi-annual sale at the studio, with lots of deals on older work. I want to be able to accommodate as many people as I can over a longer time period. There are appointments available throughout the month to come by and view the work. Please book an appointment using this link or get in touch using my contact form.

I make way more art work than I ever end up sharing, showing, or even framing. These perfectly good pieces of art are often stepping stones, exploring an idea or concept, and were unfortunately forgotten about once they disappeared into a drawer. I often come across them again when I have someone in for a studio visit, and they go, “Wow. That’s a great piece!” And so, I’ve pulled all of this lovely art work out, packaged it up, ready to find its forever home.

All of the work is priced at $250 and under. Everything is unframed and unmounted but will come with a backing board and glassine cover to protect them. The works of art are cut paper designs in a variety of sizes, with a small selection of drawings, and a limited number of laser cut proofs. 

Masks are mandatory for entry to the studio, and I’ll have hand sanitizer available inside. The studio is very spacious so maintaining physical distancing isn’t a problem.

Thank you for supporting local artists and small businesses in this difficult time. I look forward to seeing you from six feet away.

Studio Sale
Dates: February 1st to 28th
Time: book a studio visit here
Location: 1610 Clark Drive, Unit 201, back entrance

Pattern Mixing in a Medium Size

This red triangle is yet another scaled down pattern mixing composition I created for The Art Shop pop-up last November. The curator really liked this large piece but it didn’t fit the price point she was looking for. (I’m also holding onto it for another upcoming show).

The original triangle was composed of nine sections with unique patterns and this medium version has six sections. I think I used completely different patterns in each one because it’s one of the most enjoyable challenges when creating each piece – exploring new designs.

 

 

 

 

The finished version is framed as a 16 inch by 20 inch piece, and is available for purchase in my online shop.

Working Small in Pattern Mixing

I have so much work I haven’t yet shared on my blog, so I thought it was time to catch up a bit. I made A LOT of work last year, because what else was there to do but be heads down in the studio?! 

I needed to quickly produce a few small pieces for The Art Shop pop-up in the fall, and these three lovely pattern mixing pieces are some of what I made. I wasn’t sure pattern mixing would work well at a smaller scale, but it does. All of the pieces are small enough to fit into an 8 inch by 10 inch frame. All but one of them has sold.

My approach to making the work, other than scaling down the patterns, was to create less sections (usually there are seven to nine in a larger piece). I thought this might make them less dynamic but it works well at a smaller scale. 

I wanted to get away from making smaller work but then these went and sold well. I’m trying to decide whether or not to include them in ongoing available sizes.

The turquoise half-circle is still available in my online shop.

 

2020 Year End Review In Twelve Photos

I looked back at my year end review for 2019 as I began writing this post and it was interesting to reflect that I felt I started 2020 with a clearer idea of what I wanted to do. I think that actually carried through after an initial stumble through March to May, as we all struggled with the new normal.

It was a really good year creatively for me. I used a long unfinished installation (started in 2015!) as the project to get me back into the studio in May and working away again after feeling both stuck and blocked. It led me to a new body of work, and to creating some amazing pattern mixing pieces I love very much. I also finally (!) made myself a beautiful new portfolio website, which was YEARS overdue.

 

January

 

February

 

March

 

April

May

 

June

 

July

August

September

October

November

December

2020 was a year of pattern and colour in the studio.

Folded Paper Stars

In an unexpected turn of events, I decided to make more Christmas crafts yesterday. Normally I steer clear of seasonal making but this year I have lots of spare time because of covid isolation, and I want our home to be more festive than usual. 

I came across a tutorial on IG for making these folded paper stars, and decided I had to make some myself. I see these everywhere as a decoration you can purchase, but they’re actually very simple to make. I used wrapping paper for mine, which is a tiny bit on the light side but it works.

I had a bit of paper on hand to use but decided to pick up a few rolls of wrapping paper at the local “stuff store” (one of those dollar stores that’s not a dollar store). I found the bright pink floral paper and a striped metallic that works well. 

 

I cut the paper into a few different sizes to make a mix of large and small paper stars. I really enjoyed making these, and kind of want to keep making more to give away to people.

 

 

If you’re interested in making these yourself, you can find the tutorial by Linda Lomelino over on her Instagram account .

 

A Christmas Wreath Made From Paper

For this strange isolated Christmas season I decided to make new decorations for our home to ensure it feels cheery and cozy, and above all, Christmasy. We’re usually on Bowen Island staying with Boris’ family, so we don’t bother decorating at all (other than advent calendars). It’s been years since I last decorated for the season, so we don’t actually have anything Christmasy to put up. 

I decided to make a wreath from many many pieces of paper. Don’t worry, I did not hand cut these. I used my Silhouette Cameo digital cutter, which is something I don’t often do, but hand-cutting all of those branches was not an option. The boxwood wreath design file is by Amanda McGee Designs, and it required nine pieces of card stock to cut all of the elements. It was a good challenge to put it all together, and it looks beautiful. 

 

 

I took plenty of process photos along the way. Prepping the digital file and then the many pages of cutting took about three hours, and then assembling the layers and layers of branches took a few more hours. I made this over three consecutive evenings, not all in one sitting. The piece also comes with branches and berries but I decided to skip that part because it felt too fussy. It looks lush and wonderful as it is. (I was also tired of working on it)

 

 

Layer one with the lightest green

 

Layer two with the medium green

 

Layer three with the darkest green, and done!

 

Holiday Open Studio

Crowds aren’t cool this holiday season so wrap up your shopping early with unique art pieces for your special people (including yourself), snapped up at this open studio event!

Crissy Arseneau and I are teaming up once more on Sunday December 6th for our second open studio event. We’ll have all sorts of stunning original one-of-a-kind pieces of art made from paper available for your shopping and viewing pleasure.

Masks are mandatory to enter the studio, and we’ll have hand sanitizer available once you’re inside. The studio is quite spacious so maintaining physical distancing is a breeze, and we will be limiting the number of people browsing to no more than 3 at a time. You can book in advance for a specific timeslot to secure your spot. We’re looking forward to hosting you happily and safely!

Thank you for supporting local artists and small businesses this holiday season (and always)!

Holiday Open Studio: Rachael Ashe & Crissy Arseneau
Date: Sunday, December 6
Time: 11am-4pm
Location: 1610 Clark Drive, Unit 201 (rear entrance)