Using a pair of scissors may not be the expected way to make a piece of artwork. But intricate two and three dimensional worlds can be created by cutting and snipping into a piece of paper.

My interest in paper-cutting originates from childhood summer holidays spent with my family in Poland.  Papercuts, known as Wycinanki, influenced my first experiments and began a now life-long passion for paper-cutting.  I start by hand cutting an original design and take it from there. The tools I use are simple: cutting mat, scissors, paper-clips, and books to act as paperweights. I compose my images from sketches and photographs, further experimenting with design using computer photo-editing software.  An electronic digital cutting machine is the latest adition to that initial pair of scissors.

Cutting paper is an intuitive and fascinating process, the result is immediate yet the detail only emerges when you put the scissors down and unfold the finished piece

Irena is an Exmouth based artist, living and working in East Devon.

Throughout her life, Irena has been fascinated by papercutting, a deceptively simple technique that allows for pattern, shape and design to be drawn with a simple pair of scissors.

This interest originates from childhood summer holidays spent with family in Poland. Papercuts, known as Wycinanki, influenced her first experiments with the artform.

Irena continues to explore this medium using traditional and contemporary techniques.  She uses both a simple pair of scissors and design editing software to explore ideas and themes inspired by the curious world we live in. This interest was further developed for her MA degree at the University of Plymouth.  Her dissertation Piecing together the Fragments involved the study of contemporary art practice and digital technology.

Irena has also trained as a teacher, specialising in teaching young people with visual and multi-sensory impairment.  She taught all ages and abilities in order to help them foster the same enthusiasm that she has for artmaking.   

Irena shares her skills by giving talks about papercutting and demonstrating techniques to groups and societies. She exhibits regularly in art events and has received commissions as Artist in Residence in schools, museums and outreach centres.   She is a member of Exmouth Art Group, of which she is a past President.