Not only that, he is a close native to Jackie Chan who owns most of Jeff's work. Jeffrey has created hundreds of extraordinary paper sculptures in his long bright career of 28 years. Although it is difficult to talk about his creations and artistic journey in a small interview, but a little is better than nothing I guess. So here is Jeffrey's interview with us and we are honored to have him on our blog. Here it goes:
Well... I was born and raised in Los Angeles, California many years ago. I graduated from The Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California with a BFA in illustration. I knew I wanted to be an artist since the 2nd grade.
Your artwork looks spectacular. How did your interest develop in paper artwork?
Thanks! Paper sculpture kinda chose me. Funny how life takes you on a different path. I wanted to be a painter working in oil but paper came more natural to me. I didn't struggle with it the way I did with paint. I think I liked the freedom it presented because there weren't many others doing it. There was very little to compare or refer to. So I decided to have fun with it doing it my way.
Your paper installation for Ana hotel in Tokyo is just out of the world. How many hours did it take you to complete? How many papers are used in that installation? I am keen to learn everything about it.
Thanks again! I don't think I can calculate the amount of hours, but it took about three months from start to finish. The last two weeks working on it were 18 hour days. I lost 7 pounds during that time. Talk about stress! Not sure about how much paper it took either, but it must have been at least 5 years worth of normal sized sculptures.
Ana Hotel Series
What is the whole process involved in creating paper installations? What are the materials used?
The process of making a paper installation is the same as any other sculpture, just bigger. The materials are the same too, just a lot more. Everything begins with an idea and many rough sketches. After one of the sketches is chosen, it's refined, then blown up to the size of the final sculpture. From there, a final drawing is made to use as a blueprint for cutting the pieces that will make a sculpture.
How do you manage to give so beautiful and soothing 3D look to your art?
The paper is rounded on the edges and slightly bent on scored lines. This creates just enough variation to the way light hits the different surfaces to create dimension. It can be quite subtle but enough to create smooth gradations of light and shadow on the surfaces.
Another thing that intrigues me about your artwork is that you only white colored paper. Is there any specific reason behind not using other colors?
I don't mind using color, but only as accents. White on white shows off the sculptural qualities and textures of the paper. Color tends to flatten and make it look 2 dimensional.
What motivates the artist within you?
I just love working with my hands. As a kid, I'd spend hours in my Dad's garage workshop making things out of wood and metal scraps. He had every tool you could imagine. Hammers, anvils, a drill press, belt sander, letter engraver, lathe. You name it, he had it. It was like a paradise for me. I was too busy making things to get into trouble.
What influences the choice of designs you pick for your work?
I try not to limit myself to what I can do. Everything's a learning experience. That way I can say I did it all!
Which creation by you has been most challenging?
By far, the tree for the ANA Hotel.
And which one is your favorite; the one you would cherish forever?
I guess if I had to choose, then the Writer would be my favorite. It was the first piece I thought was successful and took my way of thinking into a totally new direction.
You're associated with so many big brands. How do you feel about it?
Honored and flattered. I could only
dream of working with such brands when I was a art student.
Share the best compliment you've ever received for your work.
A five year old, Sean Chapman, while standing in front of the ANA Hotel tree told me that I was "making the World a beautiful place." To hear that from a child was the ultimate.
Other than sculpting with paper, what are the other things that interests you?
I like good food and wine, collecting Astro Boy toys, traveling, and model airplanes.
Many other artists and our readers would draw inspiration from you. What message do you for them?
Follow your heart! I know that sounds cliche, but there is a lot of truth to that. I've thought so many times about quitting paper sculpture, but I knew nothing else would make me as happy nor be as fulfilling. There's a saying that goes something like, "A person who loves what they do never works a day in their life." Well... something like that. :D
Jeff, we are thrilled to have you on our blog. Your artwork is incredible, absolutely amazing! It was a great experience learning about you and you long artistic journey. Thank you so much for sparing time to talk to us. Our best wishes with you!
Fallen in love with his artwork? Check out his website for more creations by Jeffrey!
To read more inspiring interviews of incredibly talented artists like Jeffrey, you can subscribe to our RSS feeds. You can also choose to receive updates via email.
Do join our Facebook page as well:
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| Tiger Mask |
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| Terra Cotta Warriors |
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| NN States University States Hall |
Your artwork looks spectacular. How did your interest develop in paper artwork?
Thanks! Paper sculpture kinda chose me. Funny how life takes you on a different path. I wanted to be a painter working in oil but paper came more natural to me. I didn't struggle with it the way I did with paint. I think I liked the freedom it presented because there weren't many others doing it. There was very little to compare or refer to. So I decided to have fun with it doing it my way.
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| The Savoy |
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| Lion King |
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| Jackie Chan |
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| Golden Gate Bridge San Francisco |
Your paper installation for Ana hotel in Tokyo is just out of the world. How many hours did it take you to complete? How many papers are used in that installation? I am keen to learn everything about it.
Thanks again! I don't think I can calculate the amount of hours, but it took about three months from start to finish. The last two weeks working on it were 18 hour days. I lost 7 pounds during that time. Talk about stress! Not sure about how much paper it took either, but it must have been at least 5 years worth of normal sized sculptures.
Ana Hotel Series
What is the whole process involved in creating paper installations? What are the materials used?
The process of making a paper installation is the same as any other sculpture, just bigger. The materials are the same too, just a lot more. Everything begins with an idea and many rough sketches. After one of the sketches is chosen, it's refined, then blown up to the size of the final sculpture. From there, a final drawing is made to use as a blueprint for cutting the pieces that will make a sculpture.
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| Dragon |
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| El Sereno Phoenix |
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| Beaver Stadium |
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| Brooklyn Bridge |
How do you manage to give so beautiful and soothing 3D look to your art?
The paper is rounded on the edges and slightly bent on scored lines. This creates just enough variation to the way light hits the different surfaces to create dimension. It can be quite subtle but enough to create smooth gradations of light and shadow on the surfaces.
Another thing that intrigues me about your artwork is that you only white colored paper. Is there any specific reason behind not using other colors?
I don't mind using color, but only as accents. White on white shows off the sculptural qualities and textures of the paper. Color tends to flatten and make it look 2 dimensional.
What motivates the artist within you?
I just love working with my hands. As a kid, I'd spend hours in my Dad's garage workshop making things out of wood and metal scraps. He had every tool you could imagine. Hammers, anvils, a drill press, belt sander, letter engraver, lathe. You name it, he had it. It was like a paradise for me. I was too busy making things to get into trouble.
What influences the choice of designs you pick for your work?
I try not to limit myself to what I can do. Everything's a learning experience. That way I can say I did it all!
Which creation by you has been most challenging?
By far, the tree for the ANA Hotel.
And which one is your favorite; the one you would cherish forever?
I guess if I had to choose, then the Writer would be my favorite. It was the first piece I thought was successful and took my way of thinking into a totally new direction.
 |
| Writer |
You're associated with so many big brands. How do you feel about it?
Honored and flattered. I could only
dream of working with such brands when I was a art student.
Share the best compliment you've ever received for your work.
A five year old, Sean Chapman, while standing in front of the ANA Hotel tree told me that I was "making the World a beautiful place." To hear that from a child was the ultimate.
Other than sculpting with paper, what are the other things that interests you?
I like good food and wine, collecting Astro Boy toys, traveling, and model airplanes.
Many other artists and our readers would draw inspiration from you. What message do you for them?
Follow your heart! I know that sounds cliche, but there is a lot of truth to that. I've thought so many times about quitting paper sculpture, but I knew nothing else would make me as happy nor be as fulfilling. There's a saying that goes something like, "A person who loves what they do never works a day in their life." Well... something like that. :D
Jeff, we are thrilled to have you on our blog. Your artwork is incredible, absolutely amazing! It was a great experience learning about you and you long artistic journey. Thank you so much for sparing time to talk to us. Our best wishes with you!
Fallen in love with his artwork? Check out his website for more creations by Jeffrey!
To read more inspiring interviews of incredibly talented artists like Jeffrey, you can subscribe to our RSS feeds. You can also choose to receive updates via email.
Do join our Facebook page as well:
Really inspiring interview. I was wondering while first looking at the sculptures that which motivation theory works for such genius people. I got the answer. It's LOVE - Love for your work which is the best motivator. Such people don't jump with joy after achieving a milestone but just smile with content and fulfillment. Hats off such people and thanks for this beautiful article.