SILHOUETTES TODAY

SILHOUETTES TODAY

Do you think the popularity of silhouettes originated in Paris?  Actually, "silhouette" is a French word named after Monsieur Etienne de Silhouette (1709-1767,) the Minister of Finance, who did this form of paper-cutting as a hobby.

SILHOUETTE CUTTING TODAY

There are three methods currently used to create a profile:

1. Trace a shadow and produce a large profile. This can be reduced to miniature by use of a grid or a Xerox reduction process.

2.  Sketch a person's profile before cutting it, which requires art experience.

3.  Observe and cut free-hand, by using the scissors instead of a sketch pencil The first two methods take considerable tine and do not hold the intrigue and interest of a free-hand silhouette. (To do this, you may need to practice on patterns as well as study the proportions.)

The above techniques for cutting silhouettes have served a purpose in capturing a likeness that can be treasured through the years, and can be considered a work of art. Before the arrival of the camera, many who could not afford a portrait availed themselves of this "cheap" likeness that recorded their image and is now a prized possession and a family heirloom.

In your school years, perhaps your teacher used the 1st means of making your likeness. Have you a large silhouette done in this manner? Silhouettes such as these can hold many memories, but are seldom displayed. Mothers prefer miniature silhouettes rather than a large one traced from a shadow.
Some teachers still cut silhouettes by projecting a shadow on the wall. Many would relinquish this task if they could find a silhouette-cutter (This is where you can HAVE FUN and MONEY.)

In addition to paper, paste and scissors, you'll need two things:
1st, models. That's easy. You will find them at the swimming pool, schools outings, Girl Scouts, parties, etc.
2nd, confidence. Relax you wrists and have no qualms about what comes forth from your "magic" scissors. With practice, from sample patterns that instill observation and concentration, you'll soon get the knack of it. You'll gain confidence before you realize it.

As you can surmise, from the various methods employed by other silhouette-cutters, the object is to obtain a likeness, regardless of the method used. If that is achieved in the eyes of the beholder, you have accomplished your mission regardless of your technique.

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN PRACTICING, EMAIL ME AT almonfamily@gmail.com and let me know.  Perhaps we can get good.