… that is how Ann Arbor based, paper engineer, Matthew Shlian describes what he does and let me tell you, the end result is absolutely breathtaking! Having graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Printmaking and Sculpture) from the New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University in 2002 and, following that, a Masters (Print Media and Paper Engineering) from the Cranbrook Academy in 2006, he now allocates his time between teaching at the University of Michigan, collaborating with top companies (Apple, P&G, IMTEK, Levi’s, VW, Facebook & Chrysler, to name but a few) and folding his way to some of the most amazing art around.
I have fallen absolutely in love with his paper sculptures and couldn’t help but sharing them with you here. Most of them, especially the “smaller” pieces available via Eight Emperors, are very affordable. Editioned works, available via The Ghostly Store, tend to be slightly more expensive but still definitely not “out of reach”. I guess it’s a good thing I don’t live in my own apartment anymore, or I might have had a bit of trouble fitting everything in deciding what to choose…
If you are intrigued and yearn to know more about Mr. Shlian and his technique, here’s an interesting video – part interview and part time lapse of him creating some stunning new pieces:
[Images: property of http://www.mattshlian.com ©]
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I love this kind of thing, all modern and kinda futureistic. Is that even a word? I went to a modern art and design museum in Amsterdam and they had loads of cool stuff like this there. Simple and clean edges and shapes. Xx
Hey there. Happy New Year! Good to hear from you 🙂 You are right, it does look kinda futuristic… And I absolutely love how “clean” but intense the end result is. If you like this, you are probably gonna love my next design post too – keep a look out for that 😉