Incredibly Complex Paper Cut Ketubot by Ruth Becker

I've been keeping a lookout for new paper cuttings from Ruth Becker [edit: formerly Ruth Mergi]. She was already doing exceptional work when I first interviewed her a few years ago, although she had been seriously working as a paper artist for only about a year. American-born Ruth has continued to hone her craft from her home studio in Modiin, Israel [edit: now Chevy Chase, Maryland] while raising a young family.

oval finely handcut ketubah

This is an example of one of her recent custom pieces... a layered, hand painted marriage ketubah - exquisite!

detail of oval finely handcut blue, white, and gold ketubah

The ketubot available in Ruth's Etsy shop are original, hand cuttings reproduced by laser on fine art paper. A couple's desired Hebrew text is giclée printed using digital technology. Ruth describes this damask-patterned ketubah as a modern classic. She shows new lace, lines, and Moroccan ketubah designs too.

fine gold and white paper cut ketubah with Hebrew calligraphy

Ruth's cuts are mind boggling indeed; sometimes she stacks many layers to add to the impact of a piece.

multi-layered and multi-color geometric paper cutting

More new work is a series of hand drawn and scalpel-cut geometric tessellations with large forms in the center that become infinitely smaller toward the edge. This type of hyperbolic pattern appeals to her because it is ever-present in nature.

finely cut ivory paper tessellation held upright on on palm of hand

Examples from this series and many other delicate paper cuttings and ketubah examples will be featured in Ruth's first solo exhibition, Cut, opening this Thursday, April 11 through May 4 at the Hankin Gallery in Holon, Israel. Paper art worlds collide, as origamist Ilan Garibi will be a speaker. Here's another sneak peak of a show piece (no, make that a showpiece!)

detail of finely cut paper circles

 Stay up-to-date with Ruth Becker via Facebook and visit her Etsy shop.

All Things Paper is an AWIN affiliate.


Ann Martin
Ann Martin

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