Unveiling the Intricate Art of Paper Cutting: A Journey with Rosa Leff
Rosa Leff, a skilled paper-cut artist from West Philadelphia, is known for her hand-cut cityscape pieces that showcase intricate details and urban perspectives. Drawing inspiration from her travels and photographs, Rosa's artwork captures the unique architecture and landscapes of cities like Baltimore and Philadelphia. With a passion for creating something beautiful and meaningful, Rosa's papercuts bring a modern touch to a traditional folk medium. She serves on The Guild of American Papercutters' board and is a member of The Paper Artist Collective, showcasing her work in exhibitions across the United States and in China. Rosa's art reflects her meditative process and dedication to craftsmanship.
In this dialogue, we peel back the layers on:
Rosa Leff, a paper cut artist, and former educator, discusses her unique art form and the process behind her intricate cityscape paper cuttings. She explains that paper cutting is similar to the traditional Mexican papel picado, but she uses a tiny knife to sculpt the paper and create detailed cityscapes. Rosa draws inspiration from her travels and photographs, using them as stencils to guide her cutting. She emphasizes the importance of precision and connection in her work, as well as the meditative nature of the process. Rosa also reflects on her artistic journey, from starting as a self-taught artist to gaining recognition and exhibiting her work in various venues. She shares her experiences with the art scenes in Baltimore and Philadelphia, noting the welcoming and supportive nature of the Baltimore art community. Rosa concludes by discussing a project she is particularly proud of, titled "Let Them Eat Plate," which explores her childhood experiences with inconsistent access to food.
Mentioned in this episode:
Rosa's Website
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This program is supported in part by a grant from the Robert W. Deutsch Foundation.
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Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard.
Episode illustration by Alley Kid Art.
About "The Truth In This Art"
Hosted by Rob Lee, "The Truth In This Art" podcast dives into the heart of creativity and its influence on the community. This arts and culture podcast from Baltimore highlights artists discussing their ideas, sharing insights, and telling impactful stories. Through these artist interviews, listeners gain a deeper understanding of the creative economy and artistic life in Baltimore.Â
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