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Unveiling the Intricate Art of Paper Cutting: A Journey with Rosa Leff

The Truth In This Art: Stories That Matter
The Truth In This Art: Stories That Matter
Episode • Aug 9, 2021 • 35m

Rosa Leff, a skilled paper-cut artist from West Philadelphia, is known for her hand-cut cityscape pieces that showcase intricate details and urban perspectives. Drawing inspiration from her travels and photographs, Rosa's artwork captures the unique architecture and landscapes of cities like Baltimore and Philadelphia. With a passion for creating something beautiful and meaningful, Rosa's papercuts bring a modern touch to a traditional folk medium. She serves on The Guild of American Papercutters' board and is a member of The Paper Artist Collective, showcasing her work in exhibitions across the United States and in China. Rosa's art reflects her meditative process and dedication to craftsmanship.

In this dialogue, we peel back the layers on:

  • Delve into the world of meticulous and meditative paper-cutting art, as we explore the intricate process of sculpting paper with precision using a tiny knife, and uncover the depth of creativity it entails.
  • Join us in a captivating conversation about artistic inspiration, as we unravel how Rosa uses her travel experiences and photographs as stencils to guide her intricate paper cutting, resulting in stunning visual narratives.
  • Explore the fusion of precision and connection in the art of paper cutting, as we delve into Rosa's creative journey and discuss how each carefully cut piece is interwoven to craft a cohesive and captivating masterpiece.
  • Step into the vibrant art scenes of Baltimore and Philadelphia, as we compare and contrast their unique characteristics, delving into Baltimore's supportive and community-oriented atmosphere that fosters creativity.
  • Engage in a thought-provoking discussion on art and personal experiences, as we uncover the emotional depth of Rosa's project "Let Them Eat Plate," exploring her childhood memories of food access challenges and her pursuit of authenticity while safeguarding her loved ones.


Rosa Leff, a paper cut artist, and former educator, discusses her unique art form and the process behind her intricate cityscape paper cuttings. She explains that paper cutting is similar to the traditional Mexican papel picado, but she uses a tiny knife to sculpt the paper and create detailed cityscapes. Rosa draws inspiration from her travels and photographs, using them as stencils to guide her cutting. She emphasizes the importance of precision and connection in her work, as well as the meditative nature of the process. Rosa also reflects on her artistic journey, from starting as a self-taught artist to gaining recognition and exhibiting her work in various venues. She shares her experiences with the art scenes in Baltimore and Philadelphia, noting the welcoming and supportive nature of the Baltimore art community. Rosa concludes by discussing a project she is particularly proud of, titled "Let Them Eat Plate," which explores her childhood experiences with inconsistent access to food.

Mentioned in this episode:

Rosa's Website

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Host: Rob Lee
Music: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis.
Production:

  • Produced by Rob Lee & Daniel Alexis
  • Edited by Daniel Alexis
  • Show Notes courtesy of Rob Lee and Transistor

Photos:

  • Rob Lee photos by Vicente Martin for The Truth In This Art and Contrarian Aquarian Media.
  • Guest photos courtesy of the guest, unless otherwise noted.

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