In the meticulous world of paper-cutting art, Elin Price stands out with a unique blend of precision and symbolism, two key elements reflected in her intricate creations. Her artistry transforms the mundane sheet into a narrative that dances between light and shadow, where the sharp edges of the paper embody silhouettes that echo the delicate balance between the physical and the intangible. Born and raised in the Yorkshire Dales and currently residing near the Peak District, Elin’s deep connection with nature finds its expression through the graceful interplay of positive and negative space in her artworks. Each cut she makes is a demonstration of her understanding of form and balance, which she draws from the vast landscapes of her heritage, across which she has roamed and marveled since childhood.
Elin Price intricately weaves the ancient with the modern, taking cues from traditional folk narratives and historical art styles to inform her contemporary pieces. Using merely a scalpel, she conjures the imagery of stories passed down through generations, embedding them into the paper she molds. Her work is a homage to the rich tapestry of human history, demonstrating how folk art and vernacular motifs can transform humble materials into something valuable and timeless. Elin’s craft is a reflection of both personal introspection and a broader cultural dialogue, echoing the symbiotic relationship between humanity and the natural world. Through her craft, she invites viewers not just to look but to truly see the depth of stories and landscapes intricately cut into every piece she creates, capturing the essence of both the seen and the unseen.
I love the versatility of the material and the transformative nature of the craft – using an everyday material and making it into something beautiful and valued. ​In its restrictive nature, the sharp monochrome forms of paper art channel me to find inspiration in symbolism, silhouette and symmetry. These sharp forms mark the divide between paper and no paper, positive and negative space, light and dark. I need to think about how I create my shapes and designs and how the paper will stay in one piece. I grew up in the Yorkshire Dales and now live on the edge of the Peak District. I have spent my life immersed in nature and I am always seeking more knowledge of the world around me. This forms a large part of the inspiration for my work. I am inspired by the wider context of the nature around us, its history and the stories we have formed through our relationship with it. I often explore the themes of traditional folk stories, historic art styles from different times and places and vernacular art and motifs.
Elin Price
More info: Website, Instagram.
