Our first artist of the month for 2020 is the talented Zack Mclaughlin. A master of his trade making the most exquisite paper birds.
Full name: Zack McLaughlin
Website: www.paperandwood.co.uk
Instagram:
"All my inspiration comes from wildlife documentaries, wildlife accounts and photography as well as from going out into the wild for long walks and really looking closely at the stunning details out there"
Where do you make your paper Art?
I have a lovely large shared studio space based in Limehouse, London in the UK.
How long have you been working with paper?
I have been working with Paper for around 5 years now
How would you describe your approach to paper art?
Paper art for me comes from using an inexpensive, beautiful material that best creates the colours and textures i see in the natural world.
Where do you find inspiration?
In the natural world. All my inspiration comes from wildlife documentaries, wildlife accounts and photography as well as from going out into the wild for long walks and really looking closely at the stunning details out there.
Describe your work to us in 3 words?
Detailed, labour-of-love, meticulous
What are your favourite papers to work with?
The one I use the most and love to bits is Tiziano Pastell paper by Fabriano. It has a lovely weight to it, is wonderfully textured, comes in a huge variety of colours and takes paint really well too without warping.
What tool could you not live without?
My trusty scissors, I do everything with these!!
What is the best thing about working with paper as a medium?
The limitless posssibilities it brings to my artwork, literally anything is possible by playing with it. It's amazing how you can work with it and actually make people question what medium you have actually used.
Who are your favourite paper artists?
I can't say I follow many paper artists, I have never been someone who looks to other artists for inspiration, I just love to look to the best artist there has ever been, the natural world! One I have admired mind you for their use of paper and textures is Calvin Nicholls, his fur and feather textures are next level!!
What are you working on at the moment?
I am currently working on a lot of individual commissions, which I love as I get to research and make new birds. The ones I am making right now are A Barn Swallow, Lilac Roller, Red Kite, Great Horned Owl, Peacock and 10 hummingbirds on a tree in one bell jar.
