Marc Schweizer

Paper cutter

Silhouetted in paper and gold

Marc specialises in miniature paper cuttings
He holds the unofficial record for the smallest paper-cut tree
He was recognised at the 2019 Prix Métiers d’art Suisse

Paper cutting is a very traditional art in Switzerland. Some artists' work, dating back several hundred years, is very rare and highly valued in the art world. Swiss paper cuttings generally depict farming life, for example the animals going up and down the mountains or hunters chasing game. “I was born and raised in a small farming village in the heart of the Swiss Alps. My inspiration comes mostly from nature,“ says Marc Schweizer. He particularly likes to create very small, detailed renditions of both traditional and modern motifs. “It’s the graphic quality and balance between black and white that I focus on,” he says. "With paper cutting I have the possibility to do what I love most and see my ideas become reality.”

Interview

When did you develop a passion for paper cutting?: When I was eight years old my mother took an introductory class in paper cutting. After her class she continued the craft at home, and that's when I first became interested. She taught me the basics and later on I learned different techniques from well known Swiss paper cutting artists.
How do you create your paper cuttings?: I normally begin with a sketch of the layout and an idea of the cut. Then I digitise the sketch, reduce the size and print it directly on the paper to keep all the details. I use a very thin paper that weighs only 40g per m2. The paper has a very fine texture that allows me to make precise and detailed cuts.
Do you use any particular tools?: The cutting is all done by hand. I use a knife with a very small blade. I also wear glasses with a 2.5 magnification. For the smallest details I sometimes use a microscope. That’s why it can take me between a few days and a couple of months to complete a paper cutting.
What special features do your paper cuttings have?: The colour in my work comes from genuine gold leaf, which I use to add depth and highlights. Seeing a paper cutting for real is the best way to experience it. It’s the only way to recognise the size, details and depth. A photograph cannot show this properly.

Marc Schweizer is a master artisan: he began his career in 2013 and he started teaching in 2016