Work samples
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Before The RushI took the image this papercut is based on towards the end of my time in China. Xi'an's Muslim Quarter would by bustling with shoulder to shoulder crowds in just and hour or so, but here I was able to capture a lone pedestrian, staring at her phone. I was struck by the fact that she, understandably, was able to ignore all the visual chaos around her. As a tourist (and one who could not read the language) I was overwhelmed in the most wonderful way and had trouble accepting that those around me did not feel the same way. "Before The Rush" is hand cut from a single sheet of black paper using an X-Acto knife and measures 16x20". -
Virtual OpeningThis life-sized self portrait is from my recently begun series, All At Once. I hope to challenge the one dimensional view folks often have of Blackness. In each self-portrait I will be dressed for one of the many roles I play. By presenting myself as an educator, as a party girl ready for a night out, as a Jew ready to attend services at my synagogue, sweatpants ready to hit the couch, or an artist ready to give a talk, I will show that not only can Black people be anything, but a single Black woman can be a dozen things at once. Here I am pictured ready for a virtual gallery opening. This sheet is hand cut from a single sheet of black Tyvek using an X-Acto knife. -
Head In The CloudsOne of my most ambitions landscapes, "Head In The Clouds" measures 20x30" and is hand cut from a single sheet of paper using an X-Acto knife. It is based on a photo I took of an abandoned factory in North Philadelphia. I received an email from a stranger telling me that he thought I'd done a wonderful job, but didn't understand why I'd choose to papercut something so dark. To me, with its upward swooping persepctive, this is an image of hope and daydreams. -
Sorry, Not SorryIt’s been more than 6 years since I’ve spoken to my mother, and my father has hardly spoken to me for the past few years. In this piece I see all of that toxicity, but also a realization that for many of us adulthood isn’t what we thought it’d be. I could go on, but my point is that this cut was equal parts stressful and fulfilling.
About Rosa
Baltimore City
Between painting alongside my grandmother and watching my father build reproduction antique furniture, I grew up seeing no distinction between fine art and craft. What mattered was that things were made by hand and done well. It is with that in mind that I create my hand cut paper pieces. Each of my papercuts is cut by hand from a single sheet of paper using a knife. My cityscapes are based on photos I've taken in my neighborhood and all over the world. While I'm is best known for my… more
Expectation/Reality
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Let Them Eat Plate.Hand Cut Paper Plate- As a kid I’d sometimes pack myself lunches of rotten food or things that the mice had gotten to first. I’d throw them away as soon as I got to school and tell my friends I wasn’t hungry. I remember crying uncontrollably at school one day because I was so hungry but being filled with shame and unwilling to tell my friends what was wrong. When my parents got paid we’d fill a shopping cart to the brim with much more than we could use and eat our fill as the majority of the groceries spoiled in the fridge. My family wasn’t concerned with keeping up with the Jones’s but we binged luxury, alternating between some of the best restaurants and scavenging whatever we could find in the pantry that hadn’t gone “too” off. Whatever dinner was, we ate in our beautiful Victorian dining room filled with period antiques which was the inspiration for this plate. But, as people are losing their income and others hoard food it seems to have taken on a whole new meaning. -
Eff ThisHand Cut Paper Towel- I was having a bad case of the Mondays this and was feeling all “Eff This,” but then I got into an argument with a 5 yr old over what kind of profession a unicorn would have and it made me feel much better feeling much better. -
Everybody's Doing ItHand Cut Paper Wendy's Cup- Who among us hasn’t poured a refreshing adult beverage into a paper cup before going for a stroll? As far as I can tell, the only good thing that’s come out of this pandemic is to go cocktails. Here’s hoping they’re here to stay! -
Look Honey, I CookedHand Cut Paper Plate- If my fella didn’t love cooking I’d probably starve. That’s probably over-dramatic…. but I’d definitely eat too much takeout without him. -
Like MotherHand Cut Paper Towel- I’m beginning to think that “the right way” of doing things is all wrong. This papercut is for all of the apples who rolled far, far away from the trees. -
Hanukkah SameachOn Hanukkah Jews wish each other a “Hanukkah Sameach” (Happy Hanukkah). This piece, Noel Sameach (Happy Christmas) was inspired by the tradition of eating Chinese food and watching movies with my Jewish family on Christmas Day. -
Employee Of The MonthI got the idea for this piece after seeing a Hooters Girl place a birthday crown on a small child. It got me thinking about the crowns I used to get from Burger King way back, and the highly contentious debate surrounding participation trophies. This “Employee Of the Month” crown is full of craft beers, lattes and other things Boomers like to complain about us millennial blowing our cash on. -
Caviar Taste, Fish Sticks BudgetHand Cut Paper Plate- The heart wants what the heart wants, but sometime our bank accounts get in the way. Please note that this is a close up of the center of the piece. The finished papercut is an entire 9x9" paper plate framed in a 12x12" shadow box. -
Sorry Not SorryHand Cut Paper Plate- It’s been about 6 years since I’ve spoken to my mother, and my father has hardly spoken to me for the past couple of years. In this piece I see all of that toxicity, but also a realization that for many of us (and for better or worse) adulthood isn’t what we thought it’d be. I could go on, but my point is that this cut was equal parts stressful and fulfilling.
I Can't Brev
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Justice For Big FloydLike so many others, I took the murders of George and Breonna as a call to action. For the first time, my husband and I broke quarantine so that we could take to the streets and protest. I debated bringing my camera, having heard that folks with cameras were being targeted and attacked in other cities. Ultimately, I decided to leave it behind and wear shoes I could run in should the need arise. I took the photo this image is based on with my cell phone during that first protest. I was struck by the man, doing his best to ignore the chaos around him, and wondered where he was going. "Justice For Big Floyd," 16x20", is hand cut from a single sheet of black paper using an X-Acto knife. -
There Goes The NeighborhoodI’ve been trying not to journey too far because of the ‘rona so this is based on a photo I took right here in Riverside. When the news is getting me down (like, basically always) at least I can’t take comfort in having so many allies close by. “There Goes The Neighborhood” is hand cut from a single sheet of green paper using an X-Acto knife and measures 16x20" -
I Can't BrevThis image is based on a photo taken by Connor McHugh. It is hand cut from a single sheet of black paper using an X-Acto knife. Connor took the photo during a protest in Philadelphia, and I made the cut as I tried to tune out the sound of helicopters circling above my studio after the cops killed George. (16x20") -
The Real PandemicI don’t often edit photos before cutting them. But with this one, no matter how hard I tried, I just could not make out any features in this man’s face. Now that I see it finished I think that’s kind of perfect. "The Real Pandemic" is hand cut from a single sheet of black paper using an X-Acto knife and measures 8x10". It is based on a photo I took right here in Baltimore during the protests following the murders of George and Breonna. -
Last CallI can’t believe I ever thought I could survive the suburbs. I’m a city girl through and through. I’m so happy with how the gold captures the early evening lighting in this piece. The reflection on the cars came out even better than expected. As I walked up and down "The Block" taking pictures that would eventually lead to this piece, I could hear people whisper-shouting "Yo, She's taking pictures!" before slinking back behind closed doors. If only I could have explained that I didn't mean to interrupt anyone's smoke break. "Last Call" is hand cut from a single sheet of black paper using an X-Acto knife and measures 16x20".
It Is Written
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Rosa Was HereQuarantine left me, like many others, with a strong desire to travel. I'd seen this RV sitting in a parking lot near my home for more than a year. It was falling a part, and there appeared to be someone living inside of it. Though I didn't have the courage to tag it myself, I was able to claim ownership over it by creating this papercut with my name. This, to me, strongly parallels the way that so many graffiti artist claim ownership over their environments. Instead, I lay claim to my piece of the art world. "Rosa Was Here," is hand cut from a single sheet of gold paper using an X-Acto knife and measures 16x20". -
Tag, You're ItThis 20x30" piece is hand cut from a single sheet of orange paper using an X-Acto knife. It is based on I photo I took in the parking lot of a Vietnamese shopping plaza in Philadelphia. Please note that here it is pictured unmounted and unframed. -
A Moving ExperienceThe title for this piece was originally based simply on the fact that this looks (to me) like a moving truck. But, after I posted this image to my Instagram account I began receiving message from Zebo and their friends. Those conversations were a moving experience. I was excited and encouraged by Zebo's joy in my ability to bring street art into the formal art world. A moving experience is hand cut from a single sheet of orange paper using an X-Acto knife and measures 5x7". -
Rest In PizzaThis place clearly closed long before the pandemic hit, but it sure does serve as an eerie reminder of things ahead. As soon as I drove past it I knew I'd be back with my camera to properly capture its beauty. As I ran around the empty parking lot taking pictures, I could hear folks around me honking and yelling, wondering what I was doing. This 20x30" papercut is cut from a single sheet of burgundy paper and is based on a photo I took in South Burlington, Vermont. -
10th Street SpecialThis piece just feels like home. While some may consider these graffiti covered trucks eyesores, many city dwellers just forget that they are a part of the backdrop of our daily lives. It is with that in mind, and the knowledge that most people (and galleries) have white walls that I chose to cut this truck out of a cream paper. Framed between two sheets of plexiglass, this piece blends into the wall behind it. In fact, the shadows are almost more noticeable than the paper itself. "10th Street Special" measures 20x30" and is hand cut from a single sheet of cream paper using an X-Acto knife. -
Against The GrainCapturing the graffiti on the wood grain texture was a fun challenge in this piece. To capture the photo it is based on I had tor run between cars and stand in the middle of the street because it was parked on a sidewalk. Work trucks already have a worn feeling about them. The names and writing that cover this one give it a sort of permanence and grounding. Against The Grain is hand cut from a single sheet of pink paper using an X-Acto knife and measures 16x20".
Baltimore
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If You FallI was drawn to cut this scene because of the combination of almost geometric power lines with those reminiscent of tangled ropes on a ship. If you fall is hand cut from a single sheet of blue paper and measures 5x7". -
WonderlandI'm always looking at signs, especially old ones. I was struck by the peeling paint of the letters in this Wonderland Liquor sign and couldn't help but wonder if the business had ever been as beautiful as its cheerful name suggests. This 8x10" piece is hand cut from a single sheet of navy blue paper. The baclground is a shimmery paper that looks blue, purple, or green depending on how it is lit. -
My Neighbors The PigeonsI took the photo this is based on while walking my dogs in the alley behind my house. We were so excited to take advantage of our deck when we moved here, but quickly discovered that we were alone. Whenever we go up there's no one in sight but our neighbors, a bunch of pigeons. -
Cross Street MarketDuring the pandemic I've been doing my best to go for walks early in the morning before anyone is out on the streets. I tend to spend a lot of that time looking up, enjoying the changes in the sky, and appreciating the parts of the city I don't often have time to. One of the things I miss most is the ability to pop into places like this to grab a bao bun and a beer. "Cross Street Market" is hand cut from a single sheet of black paper using an X-Acto knife and measures 8x10". -
Diamond In The RoughAs I walked around taking the pictures that would lead to these papercuts I heard people whispering all around me. No one wanted to be seen. Something about this car, and the gold background makes this cut feel like such a perfect time warp. -
We Rise (And Grind)There is no denying that this city's got grit. You can always find signs of hope. A community garden or a small business, like this one, is a sign that people are working to build a better life. "We Rise (And Grind)," is hand cut from a single sheet of grey paper and measures 8x10". -
Justice For Big FloydI usually grab my Nikon to be able to get high resolution photos to cut from, but I snapped the picture this is based on with my cell phone. When I broke quarantine to protest the murders of George & Breonna, I wanted to be ready to run and not have to worry about protecting my camera. Fortunately, I was able to capture this man, also on his cell phone, doing his best to ignore the chaos around him. -
Last CallHand cut from a single sheet of black paper using an X-Acto knife, "Last Call" measures 16x20". -
There Goes The NeighborhoodSo many of my papercuts are based on photos I've taken during my travels, but of course the pandemic put an end to that. The silver lining is that I've been given a chance to focus on the beauty right here in my own neighborhood. This photo this papercut is based on was taken in Riverside, just a few blocks from my home. "There Goes The Neighborhood," is hand cut from a single sheet of green paper using an X-Acto knife. It measures 16x20". -
The Real PandemicI don't usually do much editing of my photos before using them as references for my papercuts, but I tried my best with this one. I was initially frustrated that I couldn't make out any details in the man's face. But, once I saw the finished cut, I realized that it was as it should be. Having a faceless, defeated Black man as part of this composition speaks volumes. "The Real Pandemic," is hand cut from a single sheet of black paper using an X-Acto knife and measures 8x10".
Perfectly Misunderstandable
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Before The RushI took the image this papercut is based on towards the end of my time in China. Xi'an's Muslim Quarter would by bustling with shoulder to shoulder crowds in just and hour or so, but here I was able to capture a lone pedestrian, staring at her phone. I was struck by the fact that she, understandably, was able to ignore all the visual chaos around her. As a tourist (and one who could not read the language) I was overwhelmed in the most wonderful way and had trouble accepting that those around me did not feel the same way. "Before The Rush" is hand cut from a single sheet of black paper using an X-Acto knife and measures 16x20". -
Elevated CrossroadsI knew I had to cut these powerlines and lanterns the moment I saw them. Japanese culture is very rule oriented, but I had to play "The American Card" and run to the middle of a Kyoto intersection in order to get this shot. I really didn't have a choice. "Elevated Crossroads," is hand cut from a single sheet of black paper and measures 16x20". -
Stretchy PantsI exhibited this papercut in China with the Xianyang Papercutters Association. As I explained to Han Jing, Chairman of the association, "Stretchy Pants" is about wearing pants with an elastic waist band in Yokohama's Chinatown so that I can eat as much as I want. Han Jing looked back and forth between me and our translator thinking he had misunderstood. He then began laughing as I mimed shoveling food in my mouth and having a large stomach. "Stretchy Pants" measures 16x20" and is hand cut from a single sheet of paper using an X-Acto knife. -
BazaarWhen I first began cutting urban landscapes I mostly looked for lone figures or streets that were entirely devoid of people because my focus was on the place. I soon learned that people are just as much a part of a place as the businesses, homes, and traffic. This busy section of the Xi'an, China's Muslim Quarter was a wonderful challenge. I wanted to give a sense of depth in this image to show the way the market seems to go on forever, but I also wanted to do justice to each person, sign, bicycle, and light. "Bazaar," is hand cut from a single sheet of burgundy paper using an X-Acto knife and measures 16x20". -
All About The Paching PachingDespite encountering almost no English speakers, I saw English signs all over Japan. And, more often than not, the words had nothing to do with the business. After I'd finished this cut I asked a friend what the store was. Apparently it's a pachinko parlor, not a food co-op! I took the photo this papercut is based on while standing on an overpass in Tokyo. It is hand cut from a single sheet of green paper and measures 16x20". -
I'll Take TwoI am a very adventurous eater which has served me well when traveling in Asia. Although it doesn't always work out, my husband and I employ what we call "the point and eat method." In China we walked up to whatever street cart smelled best, pointed at something on a stick or a grill, and held up two fingers. Some vendors handed us our food and got back to work. Others eagerly awaited our reactions, hoping that we would enjoy their food. "I'll Take Two" is hand cut from a single sheet of black paper using an X-Acto knife. It measures 16x20". -
The Breeze In YokohamaIn the US, more often than not, Chinatowns are melting pots of Asian cultures. But in Yokohama, Japan, Chinatown is undeniably Chinese. The second you turn the corner the smells and sounds are different. You are transported to another country without ever having to stamp your passport. What I loved about this cityscape was the balance of tradition and modernity. The natural fibers of the blue background paper perfectly capture how unbelievably windy it was that day. "The Breeze In Yokohama" is hand cut from a single sheet of black paper and measures 8x10". -
IMHOI often miss details in busy scenes until I take a second look at the photos many months later. It was almost a year before I looked at a busy cityscape from Xi'an and noticed this trio. I can't help but wonder what this impassioned man was saying. "IMHO" (In My Humble Opinion) is hand cut from a single sheet of black paper and measures 8x10". -
The FuzzAlmost everything in Japan seems to have a mascot. I saw these particular critters all over Tokyo and just had to get a picture of them. As I was setting up my shot a police officer ran at me and began physically moving me. At first I thought I was in trouble. I thought maybe I wasn't allowed to photograph whatever this building was. I quickly realized that he was positioning me, and clearing the sidewalk, so that I could get a clean head-on photograph. I later learned that these critters are in fact the mascots of the Tokyo Police Department. "The Fuzz" is hand cut from a single sheet of blue paper and measures 16x20".
