What is the value of a beautifully crafted gem? What is its worth if it’s made of paper? Paper sculptor Kirsten Hassenfeld explores the fantasy-driven world of opulent extravagance through her handcrafted paper jewelry. Using translucent white paper, the artist forms intricately designed polygons that resemble brilliantly cut gemstones. As for how she goes about constructing the pieces, Hassenfeld admits that the art is a repetitious and labor-intensive craft. Much of the work involves repeatedly cutting, folding, gluing and incorporating the quilling technique.
Hasenfeld began working with paper in 1999 and has produced several serial installations over the last decade that address the subject of luxury. Wealth and monetary success is often defined by a bounty of jewels and other expensive crystals. As such, Hassenfeld touches on her own pipe dreams of such prosperity through ordinary materials.
