Natalie May

Headshot of Natalie May

The Adventures of the Icebergh

Thesis Statement

My work focuses on capturing moments of joy in life. So many beautiful moments are found in the most mundane, overlooked circumstances. My work seeks to bring them to the forefront, creating a catalogue of gratitude for the odd moments, the repeated instances, and people we experience them with.

I work primarily from reality, my own memory, and friends’ anecdotes, searching for the moments of joy we have shared. However, memory is not always a reliable witness. Therefore, my work also explores the way we idealize those we love.

The figures I create are not perfect representations of my friends, but rather characterizations as I often see them. Certain physical and personality traits come forward, while others fade, until there stands a figure that not only represents a specific person but also acts as an object of projection for the viewer. I utilize simplification, pattern, and low-relief collage to bring them to life. Each figure is composed of multiple levels of cut paper. These levels are then layered and placed within the composition. This layering creates an interesting balance between flatness and depth—reality and illusion.

In my thesis, I wish to showcase the truth, goodness, and beauty that can be found in everyday life and relationships. The pieces come together to create a narrative that pulls from my own experiences to create interesting stories that many can relate to and enjoy. They highlight the joys of relationships that we so often overlook or take for granted and are an expression of gratitude to God for the many blessings I have been given.

paper cut drawing of a group of friends on a brick wall Close-up of a cut-paper scene. A female figure wielding a sword sits atop the shoulders of a male figure wearing an eyepatch. Behind them is a bright blue sky and many bare trees.

The Great Sign Climbing, Cut-Paper, Marker, Balsawood, Watercolor, Colored Pencil, 16" x 20", 2023

paper cut drawing of a group of friends helping a raccoon off a tree An image of a cut-paper scene. Three female figures are shown in front of the corner of a house. The figure on the left carries a silver animal cage. The figure in the middle foreground attempts to break off twig from a tree. The figure on the right reaches upward offering a marshmallow to a raccoon out of frame.

Raccoon Wrangling, Cut-Paper, Marker, Watercolor, Plastic, Colored Pencil, 16" x 20", 2024

papercut drawing of a group of friends playing a card game Image of a cut-paper scene. Four figures sit around a restaurant booth table playing UNO. The figure in the front right looks back at the viewer and winks.

Sunday Lunch, Cut-Paper, Marker, Uno Cards, Illustration Board, Colored Pencil, 16" x 20", 2024

Image of a cut-paper scene. A figure crouches next to a hole in the ground. Above the hole another figure holds out her hand in the palm of which is a dead beta fish. Around the whole stand other mourners.

Rona's Committal, Cut-Paper, Marker, Acrylic, Colored Pencil, 16" x 20", 2024

Close-up of cut-paper scene. Many figures crammed together in party hats enjoying food and each other’s company. One figure reaches forward to steal a bite from the person in front of him, bumping into a girl on the right in the process.

The Last Party, Cut-Paper, Marker, Colored Pencil, Pen, Watercolor, 22.5" x 30", 2024

A collection of six cut-paper portraits. Each portrait is placed on a black plywood oval.

Portraits, Cut-Paper, Colored Pencil, Marker, Micron Pen, Watercolor, 11" x 14.5", 2024

Close-up image of cut-paper portrait of a blonde girl with green eyes. She wears a turquoise shirt and silver jewelry and is place on a dark blue background filled with drawn daffodils and peonies.

1. Amabel

Close-up image of cut-paper portrait of a girl with brown hair, blue eyes, and freckles. She wears a green flannel and striped black, yellow, and pink shirt. The background features black eyed Susans and showy primrose.

2. Laurel

Close-up image of cut-paper portrait of a girl with brown hair in a braid, brown eyes, and freckles. She stares off towards the top left of the image through black glasses. The background is crowded with carnations and marigolds.

3. Natalie

Close-up image of cut-paper portrait of a tortoiseshell cat with green eyes. A purple collar with a silver charm rests on the cat's neck. The background is filled with drawn poppies.

4. Poppy

Close-up image of cut-paper portrait of a girl with curly red hair, big blue eyes, and freckles. The image crops to only half of her face. The background is a deep magenta/plum filled with dandelions in different stages of development.

5. Mary Blake

Close-up image of cut-paper portrait of a girl with dark and light brown hair and dark brown eyes. The image is closely cropped to her face. The background features drawn light blue hydrangeas and orange and pink tulips

6. Maddie

wideshot of papercut drawings on the wall Signature of Natalie May

Natalie May

The Adventures of the Icebergh

Thesis Statement

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