“Let the Fun Begin” delves into the quiet anticipation and limitless possibility an artist feels when faced with a fresh canvas. This compact work measures just 4.5" by 3.5" framed, yet it carries an expansive narrative, rendered entirely through the delicate interplay of white paper sculpted onto a vivid watercolor background.
The artwork is a three-dimensional paper sculpture that meticulously depicts a painter’s workspace. You’ll find a carefully arranged palette with circular wells, paint tubes scattered in casual disarray, and a brush—and a pencil—all crafted with precision from acid-free white paper and adhered onto a textured surface. The monochromatic white palette emphasizes form and shadow, turning the familiar tools of the artist into an abstract study of shape and volume. This white relief is set against a bright and dynamic backdrop of blues and teals, creating a sharp contrast that heightens the sense of depth and dimensionality.
The inspiration behind “Let the Fun Begin” came from reflecting on that unique moment when an artist stands before a blank, white canvas—a clean slate full of potential. It is a space of endless choices and creative freedom, where nothing has been decided and everything is possible. I wanted to express that quiet suspense and the exhilaration of beginning something entirely new. The title itself hints at this transition: the “white play” represents the pristine canvas, and the “begin” points to the spark of action, the moment when ideas spring to life.
What distinguishes this piece is its incorporation of sculptural elements purely through paper and paint, blending two-dimensional and three-dimensional art forms. The tactile nature of the paper gives the tools and palette a physical presence, inviting the viewer to consider the act of creation from a fresh perspective—not just as a visual image but as an object to be explored in light and shadow.
Through “Let the Fun Begin”, I invite viewers to pause and consider the magic of beginnings—the blank pages, fresh canvases, and untouched surfaces we all encounter at the start of creative ventures. This work honors that initial quiet moment, where potential hangs in the air, waiting to be transformed into something beautiful. It’s a celebration of the threshold before creation, when the real adventure starts.
This paper sculpture is a part of the International Miniature Art Show at Seaside Art Gallery and is available for purchase online or in person at the gallery in Nags Head, NC.
