In the realm of art, where brush meets canvas or fingers glide over clay, there lies a delicate dance of blade and paper known as papercutting.

In 1997, on one particularly cold and rainy New England winter day, a splash of vibrant origami papers brought to mind the California sunshine, and Jian suddenly had an urge to resume an ancient art form that she had learned as a hobby, growing up in China.

About The Artist

In China, Jian’s story did start,

Then to America, dreams filled her heart.

…a retired teacher, an author, a papercut artist, a writer, a painter, a teacher trainer, a lifelong learner…

Many more roles, she’ll yet discover.

Forever grateful for each moment’s grace,

In life’s tapestry, finding her space.

Love for all things beautiful, a constant chase,

In gratitude, life’s wonders embrace.

About The Art

With paper, a craft knife, and a cutting mat,

intricate artworks come to life.

each slice of paper tells her tale,

The craft knife traces the outlines of her sail.

Every cut a window, each piece a mirrored scene,

Reflecting the inner worlds where she has been.

The dance of blade and paper, a delicate art,

Expressing life’s fragments, each close to her heart.

Through contents and images, her experiences unfold,

In the silent language of papercut, her story is told.

Statement

I often find myself immersed in the quiet act of carving images into paper with a craft knife. Bit by bit, strip by strip, fragment by fragment, each cut holds a balance of yin and yang, motion and stillness, presence and absence.

In my handcut paper art, there are stories, longings, romance, echoes, emotions, whispers, dreams…When the blade meets paper, a steady joy rises gently within me.

Through papercutting, I seek not only to hold onto life’s fleeting moments, but also to carve a quiet path inward-where paper and knife move in silent rhythm, becoming vessels for feeling, reflection, and wonder.

Exhibitions

Papercut Poetry Weston Public Library 2024

Papercut Poetry Eastham Public Library 2023

Collaborations ~ Whispers in Paper The Landau Gallery 2008

Publications www.chinesewithease.com