Paper is a simple object with a deep and complex history. For thousands of years people have been cutting paper, transforming it into folk art as unique and diverse as their cultures. Through my papercuttings, I am attempting to take this traditional and ancient craft to new levels and to introduce it to a wider modern audience.

My art takes inspiration from history, architecture, and design— specifically, the timeless motifs of ancient cultures, world architecture, and the Arts and Crafts movement. My clean contemporary style shows these motifs with fresh perspective.

Most recently I have completed a series of pieces built upon the Arts and Crafts movement which feature stylized floral motifs. Additionally I have a series of realistic natural scenes which use light and shadow to produce a fully three dimensional effect. Finally I have a series which uses this same trademark style to show dramatic architectural works.

I confront the challenges of fragile paper, the constraints of black and white, and the desire to portray depth and texture with a flat surface. I work almost exclusively with black art paper or silhouette paper cut by hand with X-acto blades. This is mounted to white matte board with archival dry adhesive dots. The entire process can take several hours to several weeks to complete. All designs are one-of-a-kind, and I do not create duplicated cuts of the same design.

If you are interested in my work, but do not see just what you are looking for, please contact me. I am happy to take commissions and would love to design the perfect piece for you.

Joe Bagley

Born: Portland, Maine February 3, 1985

Residence: Marshfield, MA

B.A. Archaeology Boston Univeristy 2006

Art Education: Self Taught

Summary of Exhibits

* Tampa Artist Emporium, Tampa, FL: January 2008-Present
* Florida Craftsmen Gallery. St. Petersburg, FL: April 2008-Present
* Art in the Park, Historic Kenwood Seminole Park, St. Petersburg, FL October 2007 (AWARD: “Fan Favorite”)
* Art in the Park, South Portland, Maine August 2006

Commercial Work

* Logo design for Morten P Consult, Denmark 2007
* Logo design for Koster Aktiv, Sweden 2007

Publications

o Papercutter Profile: Joe Bagley in Firstcut Magazine (Guild of American

Papercutters) Spring 2007

Affiliations

o Guild of American Papercutters 2006-Present

Market Availability

Pieces available online at www.papercutsbyjoe.com