Paper has been the favorite medium for artists since time immemorial, they draw on it, fold it into various shapes and even use it to make sculptures. However, Elisabetta Quaraniello does it differently. This paper artist and freelance image maker, who also proclaims to be a pizza lover, uses cut paper for making 3D figures in the amazing likeness of the real characters.
Elisabetta, presently based in Roma, Italy, loved to draw on everything since her childhood. Her becoming a graphic designer provided an opportunity to experiment and discover different techniques of illustration. She delved into various mediums but found paper the best.
Says she, “Growing up, I’ve tried various drawing techniques, but I was never fully satisfied until I ‘discovered’ paper and started creating with it. Finally, I found my dimension. I like to make everything with paper, especially people!”
Although Elisabetta’s source of inspiration remains Carlos Meira, the brilliant Brazilian paper artist, she loves to create characters from everyday life, especially those from movies and television series, of which she’s a great fan.
It comes as no surprise that several of her characters are straight out of Hollywood movies. A case in point is the astounding paper creation of Hugh Jackman’s ‘Wolverine’ character. She has also delighted her viewers by her immaculate renderings of style icons, such as Marylin Monroe, Frida Khalo and other popular characters, like Charlie Chaplin, etc.
All of Elisabetta’s creations are made entirely by hand. Her starting point remains a sketch that gives her an idea as to how to compose the illustration. From here on, this is how she proceeds, “With the right folds and small cuts, I can create those effects of light and shadow that add thickness and depth to my illustrations. My works take shape and a new dimension finally resulting complete in my eyes.” The end product is an amazing 3D illustration of her subjects in their exact likeness.
The best part is you can contact Elisabetta on her website to not only buy her creations but to get your own paper portrait done.
Elisabetta Quaraniello
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