{work of art : paper flowers for bright february days}

by roséline





It all began with this astonishingly lovely handmade flower wreath, published here, over three years ago, created by mixed media artist & designer, Dana Barbieri . . .



. . . which lead to the intricate and exquisite [previously published] Chanel 2009 couture show, over a year before that; and then in 2011, came the astonishing work of artist Jo Lynn Alcorn for Perrier-Jouët . . .

"An abundance of blooming flowers or buds, winding green tendrils hung with grapes, a facade drenched with anemones, a butterfly playing in a leafy cascade: the frescoes created for Perrier-Jouet by the American artist Jo Lynn Alcorn are produced from a material that is unique : paper."

Above, exquisite paper flower tiaras on the runway at Chanel



Above, a 6'x8' wall of handcrafted paper flowers at the Montreal wedding of Davina & Daniel



Above, floral appliqué dress by Blumarine, Vogue Latin America



Above, a handmade origami lotus




At the Chanel couture show, where 65 different headdresses were created out of two stacks of plain white copy paper by Japanese designer Katsuyo Kamo, a milliner and master hairstylist, and his small team.

"The room was all white, with every pillar deeply garlanded in giant paper flowers, tables covered with laser-cut paper cloths, and the staircase laden with yet more cutout roses and camellias. As the girls started to descend in pristine, precision-cut silhouettes, heads decorated with exquisite paper-flower tiara constructions, it was clear this was going to be a Chanel moment to treasure."


 


Above, the paper frescoes at the champagne house, Perrier-Jouët, begin with scale drawings, down to the finest detail, which are then cut out, piece by piece, and assembled






Artist Jo Lynn Alcorn uses a 3-dimensional paper collage technique, customising papers in her extensive collection by painting and patterning them as needed.  The process begins with a pencil and marker sketch, which is then scanned digitally, and then rework with Illustrator and Photoshop.  Next, all the elements of the design are cut out and the piece is constructed in layers, using foamcore, balsawood, tape, pins, and glue to add dimension.




“Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.” ―Pablo Picasso





Awhile ago, paper artist, Helen, from Frances & Francis, wrote to introduce their new paper floral artwork [above], set inside a deep glass box; although this piece is no longer available, there are other lovely paper creations available at their Etsy shop.





Above, at the Chanel couture show, where paper roses, magnolias and camellias were transformed into paper-flower tiaras.



Above, Paper Frescoes by Jo Lynn Alcorn for Perrier-Jouët champagne, 2011





"It was rather like an uplifting rite of spring, perfectly pitched between graphic modernism, ravishing romance, and astonishingly innovative detail."

Above, a paper bouquet of cream & dusty pink flowers by Frances & Francis



"I look to nature, the greatest designer, for inspiration. In my work I try to capture the luscious color, rich detail, and endless variety that I see in nature and at the same time add my own sense of fantasy."

—Jo Lynn Alcorn

[image sources & credits : wreaths by dana barbieri, originally published here /// champagne photos via perrier-jouët, with the exception of the last, which is from jo lynn alcorn /// runway photos via style.com, originally published here /// emily didonato by jean-françois campos for vogue latin america april 2012 via fgr /// la maison d'anna g /// chanel quotations via sarah mower /// frances & francis /// etsy]