The use and manipulation of paper intrigues me. With papers gathered from all over the world, I cut, rip, and layer them to create uniquely textured scenes. Acrylic sealants—and sometimes paint—are applied to add variation in color, bring out texture, and protect the paper. This is a labor-intensive process, and one that continues to evolve.
I respond to the world around me, with the intent of capturing moments of beauty—often those that are easily overlooked. My work seeks to honor and celebrate what surrounds us: trees through the seasons, flowers and gardens, villages by the water, windows and doorways, clotheslines, and people at work.
In an increasingly paperless world, my work stands as a celebration of the medium itself. It also reflects a commitment to recycling and sustainability. The papers I use are created from pre-existing organic materials, many of which would otherwise be discarded. Embedded within my work is an ecological imperative—transforming overlooked materials into something viable, enduring, and meaningful.
RSVP: https://forms.gle/Kk8KsfNaDXnjcaAM6
Ronni Jolles is a professional paper artist based in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. She received her undergraduate degree from Cornell University and continued her education through graduate-level coursework at the Boston School of Fine Art, the Corcoran School of the Arts, the Art League, and Pyramid Atlantic. Her studies span photography, drawing, painting, ceramics, printmaking, papermaking, and wood carving.
After teaching art for 20 years, Jolles became a full-time professional artist 26 years ago. She has since developed a distinctive art form using hundreds of kinds of paper as her primary medium. While it may be categorized as collage or mixed media, her work exists in a category of its own.
Gathering paper from around the world, Jolles cuts, crinkles, folds, and rips it to create impressionistic scenes rich in texture and depth. She also enjoys teaching this innovative and accessible art form to both beginning and advanced students.
More information about her work and process can be found at
www.ronnijolles.com
.