My bio as requested about the art of silhouettes

BIO: Margieanne is known around the globe for her hand cut silhouettes using only a pair of scissors freehand. The "Shadow Lady" and "M&M" are her nicknames. This is a lost art. She is sought out around the world for her detailed stunning cuttings. She is also known for her silly and realistic watercolor paintings. Margieanne has had her art sold and displayed in galleries in Florida and Arizona, as well as on the net in Isreal and Arizona by request. She worked at Walt Disney World as their silhouette artist. She is a native of Florida. Margieanne resides with her husband and two beloved cats in Arizona. SILHOUETTE HISTORY: The art of cutting a silhouette started in the middle of the 18th century. The very wealthy people had their portraits done in oil. However the poor people used the "shadow artist." These peddlers would do their portrait for a bed or a meal. They had the person sit near a candle or an oil lamp. Their shadow would be cast upon a wood plank or stiff cloth. The artists would then fill it in with charcoal from the fire pit. By the 1800's, paper was plentiful. As a result, the artist would look at the person's side view and they would cut out the portrait with a pair of scissors freehand. Once the camera was invented, it was a blow to this form or art. The name silhouette was given in honor of Etienne D. Silhouette. He was a tax collector in France. He started cutting as a hobby to keep the art going. Today, the art of scissor cutting is very rare. It is a lost unique art. There are only about 100 scissor cutting artists left in the entire world. However, there doesn't seem to be any that cut with the detail, or as many subjects as Margieanne does. The other form of cutting a silhouette is with a sharp knife. The artist will sketch out the subject, pile up to 50 sheets of paper, and then cut it out. It is not rare like using a scissor. Scissor cutting requires a lot of patience, skill, and coordination. It has become a collector's item. So cherish your cuttings, as they are appreciating in value more and more.

Comments: 15

Deborah O. Feb 28, 2008, 7:45pm EST

Is me or did the pics not show up?

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M & M. Feb 28, 2008, 7:49pm EST

The pics show up on my end. So sorry if they do not show up on yours.

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Deborah O. Feb 28, 2008, 7:55pm EST

try reposting would be my suggestion

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M & M. Feb 28, 2008, 7:56pm EST

I wish I could post it as a photo, but it won't do it that way. I copy and pasted for this. I think if I do it that way again, it still won't show. Sob.

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Debby O. Feb 28, 2008, 7:57pm EST

Hi sis! I already know all of this, but wanted to stop by and say hi! They are right honey, there isn't any picture.

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Debby O. Feb 28, 2008, 7:58pm EST

Why won't it go through as a photo honey?

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Debby O. Feb 28, 2008, 7:59pm EST

Did you change it to a jpg?

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sheila ~the hapless housewife~ j. Feb 28, 2008, 8:41pm EST

Great bio even without the pics!

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Pat S. Feb 28, 2008, 9:08pm EST

Very interesting and enjoyable article................I would have liked to saw the pictures, but sometimes these things happen.
Thx for sharing......................... :O)

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Ellie !. Feb 28, 2008, 11:32pm EST

no pictures...but i have seen them and this is an amazing art

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necee t. Mar 2, 2008, 8:25pm EST

no pics here...
M&M wonderful article... you are soooo talented....
i'm honored to know you and call you my friend... Blessings always...
take care of those hands and all your other parts too... hehe
love ya...

my friend wants to say hi...

Girly Comments & Graphics

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My bio as requested about the art of silhouettes

Comments: 15

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