I’m Wendy Bale, a visual artist from Jamestown, New York. I have spent the past few years exploring cut-paper, a medium I was introduced to at a little workshop at Roger Tory Peterson Institute. I discovered I loved it! I also discovered there are many, many ways to create cut-paper art. From a single piece of paper cut in a traditional art form to multi-layered modern techniques — the possibilities are endless. I’ve exhibited the results of these experiments in the Octagon Gallery in Westfield in 2018 and most recently at the Tri-County Arts Council’s gallery in Olean, NY for my solo show, “papercuts”.
I also work in charcoal and I especially enjoy adding cut-paper elements to my drawings. I produce a weekly video series about my art practice. These short “Monday Movies” can be found on YouTube and social media. They highlight behind-the-scenes in the art studios and how-to clips and tips.
I love sharing the process with people because often they claim to never have seen cut-paper before. Maybe it’s the inner child, who remembers the amazing reveal of a paper snowflake, but I love showing others simple paper and scissors and a little glue can turn a drawing into a beautiful paper sculpture.
I am a nature lover who lives right down the road from the Audubon Community Nature Center here in Jamestown. I moved to Western New York in 2014 to finish up a career in graphic design and creative direction. Along with my husband, a furniture maker, we produce our work in an 1880’s former boarding house and barn. I thought when I left my day job in the spring of 2019 I would reconnect more with nature. While I have indeed done that, I’ve been even more thrilled with the connection to the community here.
Learn more about Wendy and see her work on her website