Bourne artist's new career is taking shape
A lifelong passion for paper has led to a whole new career for mum of three Rowena Roberts, who creates stunning and intricate papercuts.
Her delicate artworks - reminiscent of lace - are inspired by the natural world, as well as other magical and whimsical themes, and when they catch the light the shadows cast are equally as beautiful as the originals.
Rowena, of Bourne, is building up an impressive collection featuring family trees, body organs and local landmarks - and has exhibited her pieces locally as well as selling them worldwide through her website.
“When I first started paper cutting a few years ago, I’d always go back to when I was a child. I have always been fascinated by nature - trees, birds, insects – just the magic of all. It’s around all of us, so I like to incorporate that in my pieces,” she says.
Rowena has always loved art and making things too, but after getting married and becoming a mum, her artistic hobbies fell by the wayside.
It was only when her marriage ended that she started looking for a creative outlet to enjoy at home while her children were young.
She tried drawing and watercolour, and then decided to give paper cutting a go after buying one by another artist as a gift.
Rowena recalls: “I remember seeing this piece and thinking, ‘wow I’d love to have a go at that.' I started drawing designs and used a kitchen knife to cut the paper and I got the bug for it, so I went to a workshop, and I’ve never really stopped since.
“It took off after I started sharing my pictures online, friends asked me to make them as gifts. Now I run workshops too, teaching others how to do it as well as selling my originals and prints.
“People always think I must have a lot of patience to create this way, but actually I don’t have any at all!
“I’m constantly on the go, so really love that with paper cutting, there is no choice, I have to slow down, otherwise it could all go wrong – especially if I cut the wrong piece off, it could fall apart! It’s a great form of meditation and mindfulness.”
Expanding portfolio
As well as bespoke commissions, Rowena is building up her portfolio. Some of her most requested pieces are family trees - as well as the names cut into branches, they also feature personalised charms relating to the interests and hobbies of the family members featured.
Her Botanical Bodies collection – intricate cuts of the heart, brains, lungs, uterus and stomach featuring natural elements and flowers – was inspired by her own asthma.
As well as taking medication to keep it under control, Rowena explains that she started exploring other natural ways to relieve her symptoms, and this in turn inspired her to cut out a pair of lungs, filled with nature and flowers.
Her latest collection focuses on local landmarks including Bridge 234, which is subject of a campaign to save it, and Bourne Town Hall.
“It’s magical that I can take a sheet of paper, there be nothing special about it, but take a blade and in a few hours I can created something that makes people say ‘wow’. I am so lucky, I love doing it,” she smiles.
- For more information about Rowena’s work, you can visit rowenaroberts.co.uk
