Event

Cut to the Chase with Patrick Gannon: Discovering and Making Cut Paper Art and Illustration

Friday, January 29th, 2010, 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

Speaker: Patrick Gannon

Reservations: To reserve contact info@scbwi.jp by Friday January 28, 2010
Materials to bring: To be announced
This event will be in English; Japanese interpretation available by advance request

For centuries, cut paper has had a place in storytelling and folk art traditions throughout the world. From intricate Chinese cutouts to Mexico's Papel Picado to European silhouettes, papercutting has been a vibrant part of the craft life of many cultures. Cut paper became a popular technique with children's book illustrators, valued for lively colors and versatility. Recently cut paper has received renewed attention from artists, merging modern creativity and thought with traditional techniques.

In this 90 minute workshop, cut paper artist / illustrator Patrick Gannon will conduct a brief tour of the history of Cut Paper art traditions throughout the world. Modern papercutting art from various artists and illustrators will be introduced. He'll demonstrate some of his techniques for creating this fascinating and fun art form and lead participants in the creation of their own cut paper illustrations. Participants are encouraged to bring sketches, characters, or story ideas that can be used as a creative starting point for their illustrations.

Patrick Gannon's illustrations and artwork are made entirely of cut paper (and often wood) in his studio in Tokyo where he lives with his amazing wife and a large collection of paper from all over the world. His work for children can be seen in A Constellation Album: Stars and Mythology of the Night Sky by P.K. Chen, issues of "Cricket" magazine, and other magazines, comic books and media. His work is shown in galleries throughout the world.

Born in New Jersey in the U.S., Patrick grew up on a small farm where he was surrounded by animals and the natural world. His interest in myths and fables drove him to study literature as an undergrad at Providence College, Rhode Island. Later, he received an MFA in illustration from the Savannah College of Art and Design. Visit www.pgannon.com to learn more.

Organization: The Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) Japan (SCBWI)

Cost: SCBWI Members: 1,500 yen
Non-members: 1,000 yen

Venue: Tokyo Women's Plaza, Conference Room 2, 5-53-67 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

Location: Tokyo, Tokyo Metropolis, Japan

Contact SCBWI

Holly Thompson, SCBWI Tokyo Co-Regional Advisor

Work phone: 0467-31-6908