Maker Faire Downtown Columbia 2023

Silhouettes By Hand - traditional scissor-cut silhouette portraits

Home: Maryland, United States

Silhouettes By Hand brings traditional silhouettes into modern times, cut in the traditional manner: Freehand with only scissors, without drawing, tracing any shadow, or using any machine. No shadows. No software. No cameras.

https://www.silhouettesbyhand.com
Silhouettes By Hand - traditional scissor-cut silhouette portraits - Maker Faire Downtown Columbia

Maker

Lauren Muney Maker Faire Yearbook Photo

Lauren Muney

“My name is Lauren Muney. I cut silhouettes freehand with scissors, in the traditional portrait style made especially popular 1760-1860’s, and extending into the 21st century as well. This historical style of portraiture was very popular before photography was invented. My only tools are special paper and scissors - I look at my sitter and cut the profile into the paper. I do not draw these portraits before cutting: the scissors do the “drawing”, committing the cuts immediately without possibility of erasure. This is what “freehand” means. People who watch me cut these portraits often remark how much fun it is just to watch. I invite you to discover all the ways I can offer you decades of history: traditionally made silhouette.” — Lauren Muney - your artist, producer, designer Lauren Muney has been a professional artist, entertainer, special-event producer, and consultant for over 35 years. Alongside her graphic illustration degree from a leading arts college, her experience with liv

https://www.silhouettesbyhand.com

What Inspired You to Make This?

I have always been involved in art, artisanship, and history. When I saw my first silhouette in an antique store, I couldn't afford the antique - so I set about on years of research and development to create my first silhouettes; I realized how powerful the experience could be for people to participate in their own portrait from the past.