Erica Sharp is a London-based illustrator who makes nice little paper cut illustrations with ink pen and Japanese Washi paper.
She spoke with MoonApe on her history, her work process and her current projects and shows us her workspace below.
What got you into paper cut illustrations?
I’ve always had a love for paper. My Mother is Japanese and I lived in Japan when I was a young child. My Great Grandmother was an origami genius, and got me fascinated when I was very little with her pretty creations.
I grew to love paper: cutting, folding and ‘drawing’ shapes with scissors.
More recently again I lived in the Japanese countryside for several years, and near where I lived was a small town which I discovered was famous for making ‘washi’- traditional Japanese paper.
Throughout that time my style of work became what it is now. Making art with paper is part of my identity.
It is such an exciting and satisfying process- to draw, cut, arrange and embellish with paper.
What are you working on?
At the moment I’m doing several different things- I’m just starting a series of work inspired by Alexander McQueen, I’ve just started an online shop with prints of my work.
I also teach art and photography to young people. All different things which I’m incredibly passionate about!
What is a big influence in your art at the moment?
I draw women and adorn them with cut paper to make them beautiful. I’m fascinated by costume and masquerade, I like to people watch, travel and look at fashion designers and books for inspiration.
Erica’s interesting, active workspace in London:
© Erica Sharp, 2010
