Contemporary Crafts The Silhouette

Silhouette The black outline of a person, usually the head and face, that shows minimal detail except in the contour. An early form of portraiture.

Silhouette The process of cutting what is called a “silhouette” was first done in the early to mid 1700’s. The process was created and named after a French diplomat who’s last name was Silhouette. Remains a very popular technique today, both in its traditional form and new forms.

The silhouette has become a much sought after heirloom and very popular vintage decorating item. As a high end contemporary craft, it has seen a resurgence in popularity in the last several years.

The traditional method used by Silhouette was to look at the person and cut the design freehand with scissors.

Later, a box and lever method was used to trace the outline of the person, which was then cut out.

The advent of photography made it even easier to create this type of art work.

Non traditional silhouettes…

Silhouettes in practical use…

Some iPod commercials

Other types of paper cutting…

Your assignment Create a silhouette of yourself. Create 5 sketches (or 5 variations on one idea). –Size, shape and format are up to you (minimum size of 5X7). Take the silhouette beyond the simple black profile of your face to something more creative. –Bonus points for outstanding innovation (in materials or concept).

Some student work

Other forms of silhouette The silhouette has taken on other art forms through the years, not often thought of as a silhouette… –The Cameo How many additional types can you find?

The art of cameo engraving can be traced as far back as the second and first centuries B.C. to the ancient Greco-Roman Empires where cameos enjoyed a golden age.

It was not until the fifteenth century during the period referred to as the Renaissance that cameos resurfaced as an art form and as a medium for jewelry. The Medici family of Florence is credited with restoring cameos as jewelry. –At about the same time a very high quality mine wad discovered in southern Germany. –This region soon became the center of cameo technology and by the beginning of the 19th century possessed the most significant agate deposits in the world. –The once rich deposits of these mines have been exhausted and the world is now dependent on South America for its supply of high quality layered agate material.

the yard shadow