How I Work: The Art of Upcycling
Creating a portrait from paper is a meticulous journey of transformation. It is a process where my analytical background as a data analyst and my creative passion meet. I don’t just make portraits; I build identities through fragments of time.
Phase 1: Curating the Palette Instead of mixing paint, I curate paper. I search through hundreds of vintage magazines and newspapers to find the exact colors, textures, and typography needed. This phase is about seeing potential in what others throw away—finding the perfect shade in a discarded story.
Phase 2: The Sketch & Foundation Every artwork begins with a precise sketch on the canvas. This is the blueprint for the emotion I want to capture. It is the moment where the ‘data points’ of a face are first mapped out before the layering begins.
Phase 3: The Harmony of Contrast This is the most labor-intensive part. I carefully tear, cut, and layer the fragments. You will notice that some pieces are cut with precision, while others are roughly torn. This is no coincidence. I believe that, like these fragments, humans are composed of both refined, perfect moments (the neat cuts) and more challenging, raw experiences (the torn edges). By balancing the two, I find harmony in the portrait.
Phase 4: Refinement & Data Points Just as small data points reveal a larger truth, each fragment—when arranged with care—forms a portrait that conveys a deeper meaning. In this stage, I add the final details that invite the viewer to step closer and discover the hidden histories within the paper.
Phase 5: Preservation Once the work is finished, it is treated with a professional matte varnish. This protects the delicate paper from dust and UV light, ensuring the colors remain as vivid as the day they were found. I choose a matte finish to preserve the tactile, raw nature of the collage without the distraction of a glossy reflection.