In this studio class we will be doing a variety of exercises to better understand the subtractive artform of papercut, as well as working with a more in-depth project together.
We will learn about the history of papercut artists and about traditions such as silhouette portraits, rubylith, papel picado, Chinese paper cutting (sometimes referred to as "window flowers"), graffiti stenciling and Jewish papercut. We will also look at contemporary artists using papercut in personal and political ways such as Kara Walker, Carmen Lomas Garza, Irène Pijoan, Nikki McClure & Rosa Leff.
This workshop will provide a space for artists of all skill sets to work with feedback and community. Remember, this is a class where we will be using sharp knives so it’s good to be mindful and present.
Materials to Bring
Copies of photos and any scraps of paper you might be interested in cutting up
You are highly recommended to bring a notebook!
About the Instructor
Kate Laster (she/her) is an artist, educator & critical historian. Born in Anchorage (Dena'ina land) and raised all over Alaska from the arctic to the archipelago; a sense of place is key to her art practice as a diasporic jew. She received a Bachelor of Arts at Evergreen State College in 2015 and in 2019 she received a MA+MFA in History & Theory of Contemporary Art and Studio Art with an emphasis in Printmaking at the San Francisco Art Institute. She has worked with Woosh Kinaadeiyí, the SF Poster Syndicate and the Coalition on Homelessness. She recently was a full time studio assistant at Hospitality House’s Community Arts Program. Laster has been an artist-in-residence at the Vermont Studio Center, In Cahoots, Open Windows Cooperative, Cisco Home of the Brave, Kala Art Institute and at Pillow Fort Art Center.
Past Student Reviews
"It was playful, intimate, honest, restful."
“Kate shared her process and personal story with us. Which lent to a very free flowing creative environment. I loved that I didn't feel pressure to produce a perfect end product but enjoyed the process and came away with the confidence to continue the practice on my own. The workshop was highly accessible in many ways and I was moved by the experience!”
"Kate was awesome—she built a trusting, creative space and was just genuinely interesting, insightful, and heartfelt."
Location
San Francisco Center for the Book
375 Rhode Island Street, San Francisco, CA 94103
Registration Policies
Please read over the SFCB Registration Policies before signing up for a class. Registration will close approximately three days prior to the start date of the workshop to allow the instructor time to prep materials for class. We recommend you not wait to register, as workshops that don't meet our minimum enrollment will be canceled, sometimes as much as a week in advance.
Workshop fee
(includes materials fee):
$105
SFCB's Windgate Scholarship Fund is dedicated to providing need-based financial support to individuals interested in learning bookbinding, letterpress printing, and related book arts. Click here to apply.
Prerequisite(s):
None
Class sessions:
Sunday, April 6, 2025
1–5 pm
If this workshop is full, please click this link to add your name to the waitlist. If a seat becomes available, we will contact you.