A History of Silhouettes
Silhouette
Silhouette Art was widely used in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. Nineteenth century inventions and subsequent technology rendered it obsolete for several generations. While it is still rare to find an artist in this field, silhouetting is once again gaining interest as a viable art form.
About the Artist
John Martin Silhouette Artist
Silhouette Artist John Martin is a native of South Carolina, born in Colleton County. His career as an artist began in approximately 1968. Upon discovering he has the gift of creating portraits and scenes with paper and scissors, John began to develop his own style as a Silhouette Artist. His art consists of freehand silhouettes without the use of patterns and/or templates.
Mr. Martin is a member of the Charleston Artist Guild and the Midlands Crafters Guild. As a member of the South Carolina Artisan Center, Walterboro, SC, a piece of his work was presented to the Governor of South Carolina. He has also worked at Dollywood, Pigeon Forge, Tenn., Silver Dollar City, Branson, Mo. and many festivals and malls in several states. John also works in various gift shops around the country. Mr. Martin has demonstrated his silhouette art in various public and private schools exposing students to this unique art form.
Mr. Martin not only cuts scenes (specializing in Lowcountry Scenes), but also cuts profile portraits (such as the self portrait above). Using only a small pair of scissors and contact paper, John produces images of clients in approximately three (3) minutes. Portraits can be made as clients sit or from photographs. At the request of his clients, he does a variety of scenes such as wildlife, houses, churches, pets, etc. In addition to his silhouette art, John tells stories, many of which he has authored and, with his scissors, produces the appropriate character for his tales.
In the past, Mr. Martin has demonstrated his art form and storytelling technique in a classroom setting in several school districts. He makes himself available to schools desiring to expose its students to this unique art. As his stories unfold, Mr. Martin’s hands are busily producing an appropriate character, giving the story a surprise ending, much to the delight of his audience.
As an artist, Mr. Martin also utilizes his creative ideas for writing and illustrating children’s books, writing songs and poems, and greeting cards. He enjoys creating a media that is amusing and entertaining and ideas that serve a practical function.