Laimutė Fedosejeva

Paper cutter

©Lietuvos kaimo turizmo asociacija

©Marijos Zeme

A lifelong journey towards kingdoms of paper

Laimutė is inspired by Lithuanian folk art to make paper cuttings
Her grandmother was her first teacher
She considers paper cutting as a form of art therapy and a way of life

Laimutė Fedosejeva grew up surrounded by traditional craft. Her grandmother was illiterate, but highly skilled at cutting, carving, crocheting, and felting. "She was a real treasure trove of folk art," says Laimutė. Her mother knew how to sew and knit, and handmade everything that a large family could dress in. Laimute's father repaired toys and was a handicraft master, and her aunt was an excellent weaver. From this environment, it felt natural to Laimutė to take up a craft and do her best to excel at it. However, it was only in the second half of her life, after many years of running a company, that Laimutė remembered paper cutting and turned to it as her main occupation. Today, she regularly exhibits her paper cuttings in Lithuania and abroad, has the status of an artist, and holds a certificate of national heritage.

Interview

©Jurgita Ludaviciene9

©Lietuvos kaimo turizmo asociacija

How did you get into this craft?: I never got out of it. You could say I was born into it. My grandmother used to make paper cuttings – curtains and napkins to put on bread. But nobody considered it art in those days. It always seemed to be around – postcards, snowflakes, they were just part of everyday life. After running a company I founded, I came back to paper-cutting art and now it is part of my soul.
What do you like about this craft?: I like everything. First of all, it is a respite from our abnormally fast pace of life. When I am working, I do not notice how time passes. I also see craft as art therapy, which has allowed me to get out of ugly situations many times. It is a very simple way to organise your thoughts, to relax, to calm down.
What is your relationship with tradition?: My carvings are, of course, based on tradition, but they go beyond it. The window paper cuttings I do are unconventional, and I also modify the photo frames. In terms of technique, I use laser cutting, innovative scissors, and different paper than what our ancestors used—tradition changes, and my work changes as well.
What is your source of inspiration?: Definitely Lithuanian folk art. Fabrics, wooden and iron crosses, ornaments, folk art motifs, I could go on and on. Anything that is lovingly made by man, anything that is beautiful uplifts and inspires me.

Laimutė Fedosejeva is a master artisan: she began her career in 1995 and she started teaching in 2010