Creative duo JUDiTH+ROLFE combine techniques like quilling, folding, cutting, and layering, to create custom paper art that is handcrafted piece by piece. Having come from New York, with a background in architecture, the two enjoy modern, simple and clean design, with themes like geometry, nature, and typography constant throughout their work.
While Judith is the artist and maker of the operation, Rolfe is the behind-the-scenes problem-solver and logistics guy. “The reason I was initially drawn to paper is because of its availability and ease of use,” explained Judith in an interview with Make MN. “It’s not an intimidating medium; everyone has experience with paper.”
She describes her love affair with paper as one which began unexpectedly in 2016 when she was searching for personalized name gifts and couldn’t find anything she liked. “So I decided to make some customized gifts myself. Using pre-cut paper strips, I started rolling paper coils, totally fell in love with the process, the repetitiveness of which I find both meditative and relaxing, and have been working with paper almost every day since.”
Now, the two create breathtaking paper art that has been exhibited throughout the US. Their inspiration includes both the natural world and the cultural world, stating things like Japanese Kumiko screens, Islamic tile designs, Rosemåling, Art Deco details, optical illusions, wallpaper patterns, album covers, and vintage botanical illustrations amongst other sources of inspiration.
Take a look at some of their more exceptional pieces:
