Where To Have Your Own Silhouette Cut

Renowned silhouette artist Karl “Scissorhands” Johnson will be in West Vancouver this Sunday to preserve your profile for posterity.

MONEY WELL SPENT | Do you think that the up-tick of interest in scissor-cut silhouette portraits is a reaction to the fact that camera phone mug shots are ubiquitous and—Instagram aside—so ordinary? Probably not, but handmade silhouette portraits do feel like a fresh and charming alternative to digital. They also feel nostalgic in the way print film photographs and handwritten letters do—only cooler.

A throwback to the 18th century when facial profiles cut from black card and set against a white background were a cheap and quick way to record a person’s appearance, cut-paper silhouette art has been enjoying a mini renaissance for a few years now (think Kara Walker, and iPod advertising).

If you’ve ever wanted to have your own silhouette cut (I confess that I have) or to preserve your children’s profiles for posterity, this coming Sunday will be the time to do so because scissors wizard Karl Johnson will be cutting up a storm in West Vancouver. On July 22, Johnson, North America’s most popular silhouette artist (he’s been featured on Oprah’s O-List and in other top-ranking lifestyle publications) will be at Zing Paperie & Design cutting original portraits for $28. Call to make an appointment to have your profile preserved. If you’re lucky, you may still be able to score one of the remaining time slots. —C. Rule

In West Vancouver, Zing Paperie & Design is located in The Village at Park Royal, H1-925 Main St., 604-912-0246. Visit zingdesign.ca for event particulars. CLICK HERE to learn more about Karl Johnson.

Artwork: Karl Johnson, Karl Johnson,  Shotwell shop logo