Silhouettes By Hand - traditional scissor-cut silhouette portraits

“My name is Lauren Muney. I cut silhouettes freehand with scissors, in the traditional portrait style made especially popular 1760-1860’s, and extending into the 21st century as well. This historical style of portraiture was very popular before photography was invented. My only tools are special paper and scissors - I look at my sitter and cut the profile into the paper. I do not draw these portraits before cutting: the scissors do the “drawing”, committing the cuts immediately without possibility of erasure. This is what “freehand” means. People who watch me cut these portraits often remark how much fun it is just to watch. I invite you to discover all the ways I can offer you decades of history: traditionally made silhouette.” — Lauren Muney - your artist, producer, designer Lauren Muney has been a professional artist, entertainer, special-event producer, and consultant for over 35 years. Alongside her graphic illustration degree from a leading arts college, her experience with live events of all types ranges across the United States, Canada, Australia, and in Asia and Europe. Her work is commissioned by private individuals, featured at live or virtual events, and offered at public or private celebrations or educational events. She explores the human and historical side of portraiture, creating participatory, interactive history that people love to experience, collect, display, and enjoy. She is self-taught in the freehand-scissoring silhouette skill, based on descriptions from silhouette masters from previous centuries. Silhouettes are modern and stylish. See SilhouettesByHand on Instagram to reflect how silhouettes can cross generations - from the past to our modern society. Lauren Muney and Silhouettes By Hand make public art seriously public, by creating community engagement projects across the world.