These Paper Sculptures,

almost defy description,

 all images © Michael Velliquette by Jim Escalante, above “My looking ripens things and they come toward me, to meet and be met” (2020), paper sculpture, 12 x 12 x 6 inches,

 “The love that would soak down into the center of being” (2020), paper sculpture, 20 x 20 x 8 inches, so how are these fantastical artworks made? 

 “Let your hand rest on the rim of heaven” (2019), paper sculpture, 20 x 20 x 6 inches, each monochromatic sculpture begins at the center,

 “Let your hand rest on the rim of heaven” (2019), paper sculpture, 20 x 20 x 6 inches, densely layered walls fortify the borders of his architectural works, 

“My looking ripens things and they come toward me, to meet and be met” (2020), paper sculpture, 12 x 12 x 6 inches, based in Madison, Wisconsin, the artist hand-cuts each shape with straight-edge scissors or an Exacto knife, utilizing templates, mechanical punches, rulers, and compasses, each requiring between 300 and 500 hours to complete, and using acid-free PVA glue and hot adhesives hold the layers together, “Paper comes in endless forms. It can be used in multiple dimensions. It is easy to handle and manipulate, and it is available anywhere. It is inherently ephemeral, but given the right conditions, it can last for centuries,” he says, “The work I am now creating is non-pictorial, non-objective, and non-representational in nature. The perspective of these pieces is left intentionally ambiguous: they can be read hung on the wall like bas-relief sculptures or mounted horizontally like architectural studies. There are new issues around engineering and construction that I have had to tackle as my work has evolved in this direction. The broad aim of this investigation is to use three-dimensional structure and intricate detailing to push the boundaries of paper art literally into a new dimension”, the artist’s work will be on view at David Shelton Gallery in Houston this fall, and he is a 2021 resident at the Houston Center for Contemporary Craft. Until then, follow Velliquette on Instagram for glimpses into his process and studio and to follow his upcoming projects, what amazing pieces of art.