Incredible Quilled Angelico - Lisa Nilsson

Perhaps you remember Tissue Series that was featured here last winter. Since then, artist Lisa Nilsson has continued to quill cross-sections of human anatomy using long strips of mulberry paper that she cuts with a guillotine-style paper cutter. Her most recent work is Angelico.



Angelico
Angelico
Life-size head
16 x 18 x 1.5 inches
Japanese mulberry paper and the gilt edges of old books


 

Lisa invited me to visit her studio while I was in New England this past July, so I had the pleasure of seeing Angelico when it was nearly completed. The rich colors and densely rolled and folded strips are breathtaking; the gold halo practically glows.



Angelico - detail

 
I asked Lisa to tell us about Angelico:

"The piece was inspired by a Fra Angelico painting of an angel from which I used the profile and the "disc-approach" to depicting a halo. I spent about two months making it." 
 

Angelico - brain detail

 
"I find that I am most inspired by religious art objects and medical or scientific objects and imagery. I am seeking ways to include and combine them in my work. My first step in this direction was "Praying Hands"- a depiction of a transverse cross-section of hands in prayer position."
 

Angelico

 
"I am a science-minded person though I strongly relate to the devotional quality of art making among some religious people, and I favor a return to a precious and reverential approach to art."


Image credits: 1 and 2 - John Polak of John Polak Photography; 3 and 4 - Lisa Nilsson.
 
 
Ann Martin
Ann Martin

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Comments

  1. I visited the Mutter Museum in Philly several weeks ago; its a medical museum, and there is a gallery there for artists who have been allowed to draw inspiration from the museum's collection. The Mutter would be a great place for Lisa's art to be on show.

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  2. Breathtaking. I am at a loss for words!
    *respect

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  3. Congrats to Lisa on her lates masterpiece "Angelico"! I love the halo design, the subtle colours used to make this anatomical piece, the black background and the metallic egded papers used in the halo. "Angelico" has a hint of antique quilling with a contemporary touch.
    Ann, how lucky that you were able to view this piece up close!!
    Licia Politis

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  4. Thank you Ann, for updating us on what Lisa, has been doing.
    This is just so incredibly beautiful, and awe-inspiring.
    You are so lucky to have had the chance to see this work in progress. I envy you.

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  5. Truly awe-inspiring !!! It's incredible how she has shaped the quilled elements to create the brain.

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  6. And I didn't think she could improve on her previous work! Genius!

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  7. Wow. It's really amazing. I love how she put so much detail and precision into this whole piece. Lucky for you to see it in the making.

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  8. HOLY SCHNITZEL LISA NILSSON WHEN DO YOU HAVE TIME TO EAT SLEEP USE THE BATHROOM WHEN YOU ARE SO BUSY WHORLING PAPER ALL THE TIME?!?!?

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  9. Oooh! I also thought her last creations were the best, the PERFECT ones! She`s magnifique, breathtaking!

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  10. Oh my God!!!!
    Heavenly:)
    How can someone be so creative.
    breathtaking:)
    I bow at your efforts :)
    Just wowwwwww....
    Cheers from India
    Neha

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  11. So impressive. Love how arts is affected and enhanced by the creator

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