Artist Spotlight: Lorraine Bubar

Lorraine Bubar, Late, Papercut, 19 x 23"

Lorraine Bubar’s newest body of intricate papercut work is titled Under Water. Bubar has always been fascinated with the ebb and flow of water and the subsequent creation of abstract patterns that break up the images beneath its surface. 

Lorraine Bubar, Heron Heaven, Papercut, 30 x 30"

Bubar’s work is influenced by her love of Japanese woodblock prints and traditional folk art from a variety of countries around the world. She takes a contemporary, painterly approach to the heritage of paper cutting, using colored papers that primarily originate from Nepal and Japan. Her technique, utilizing an X-acto knife, creates an intricate, often symmetrical lacework while the subsequent layering and texture of the papers produces depth. The best way to appreciate this powerful imagery is to observe it up close and be awed by the detail in her handwork.

Lorraine Bubar, Changing Directions, Papercut, 30 x 30"

Under Water finds Bubar implementing koi fish as central figures in her visual narrative. Traditionally, koi symbolize a commanding and vibrant life force, as demonstrated by their ability to swim against currents and even travel upstream. Bubar uses this ideology of perseverance, good fortune, success, prosperity, longevity, and courage as the underlying common theme that ties her graphic narrative together.

Lorraine Bubar, Heron Hazard, Papercut, 30 x 30"

In a time when people are feeling submerged “under water” with the pressures of daily life and a increasingly mechanized and monotonous environment, Bubar continues to create pieces that intentionally highlight the handmade nature of her work, connecting to a historical heritage that crosses the boundaries of craft and fine art. The images are powerful yet relaxing, swirling with movement and aesthetically pleasing colors. While her subject matter lives below the water’s surface, Under Water aims to lift our spirits, to incite the same perseverance and resolve in the viewer as the koi themselves.

Lorraine's work will be on view at TAG through November 19.
Gallery events include:
Halloween Festivities: Saturday, October 29, 5-8pm
Opening Reception: Saturday, November 5, 5-8pm
Meet the Artist: Saturday, Nov 12, 3 pm