Blog: @silhouettist
A modern-day silhouettist tells his story. Charles Burns writes about his explorations into the art and history of silhouette. His mission is to bring this often-overlooked art to a wider, appreciative audience.
First attempts at filming
02.12.2013 by Charles Burns
I am excited to report we have at last started filming Silhouette Secrets. We filmed this interview and "how to cut a silhouette" sequence in front of my wall of silhouette duplicate albums. It is unlikely to be used in the film, but I hope it gives a flavour of what we have in mind. (more…)
Will anybody fund a silhouette documentary film?
04.09.2013 by Charles Burns
When I first discovered the art of silhouette it seemed like a tiny corner in the world of art, unloved by the fine-art establishment. Back then, the thought of a silhouette documentary was hard to imagine. Today, I'm amazed by the journey which silhouette has led me on. (more…)
Flying at the Garrick Club
25.07.2013 by Charles Burns
I was very surprised, on arriving at a recent 60th birthday party at The Garrick Club, to see a silhouette flag flying outside. On closer inspection I realised it was one of my own silhouettes. I felt I'd arrived! (more…)
Radio shades
15.07.2013 by Charles Burns
Whenever I feel I've exhausted all the challenges silhouette cutting has to offer, a new one always opens itself up to me. A week or so ago I was asked to cut a single silhouette. The subject was Tony Blackburn and the challenge was to cut it live on the radio! (more…)
Some very fast Germans
14.07.2013 by Charles Burns
An interesting challenge was set for us by a client in Germany. He wanted each of 250 conference delegates to receive a silhouette - cut from their own corporate-blue paper - during a conference dinner. My initial proposal (based on tried-and-tested advice to allow two minutes per person) was to book four artists. He replied that he had the budget to book two, Michael and myself, on the understanding that everybody received a one-minute silhouette. (more…)
Silhouette Workshops and other cutting-edge ideas
28.01.2013 by Charles Burns
I've been getting a number of enquiries about dinner parties, or small meetings, for 20 people or less. One particular event organiser, who called after a client had asked her about silhouettes, was understandably skeptical: "They're only expecting 12 guests" she said "I know how fast you are, you'll only be there for 15 minutes or so, won't you?" (more…)
A royal profile or two
02.10.2012 by Charles Burns
On the 19th May I was invited to cut a royal profile or two at Coworth Park. It was one of the only events I've worked at where the toastmaster had to announce lunch by calling for "Your Majesties, Royal Highnesses, Highnesses, Lords, Ladies and Gentlemen... " to take their seats. (more…)
Doll’s House Silhouettes
21.04.2012 by Charles Burns
One of my favourite projects in Mastering Silhouettes was to create a set of silhouettes for a doll's house. However, I had to think carefully about scale! (more…)
iPhone Drawings
20.03.2012 by Charles Burns
Now that Mastering Silhouettes is out of my hands I have some time to return to the studio and do some painting. My biggest inspiration so far this year has been the (very crowded) David Hockney exhibition at the Royal Academy, so I've been making iPhone drawings. (more…)
The Book is Launched!
19.03.2012 by Charles Burns
My new book, Mastering Silhouettes, was launched last month with a small party at the London Sketch Club. We were fortunate enough to be sponsored by Hendricks Gin, after I worked at their "umbrella emporium" party last year. They supplied the drink, so it was a small but tasty party. Thank you Hendricks! (more…)
New silhouette scissors
27.11.2011 by Charles Burns
One of the things people most often ask when they see me cutting is "How many pairs of silhouette scissors do you get through?" I get the impression they're expecting to hear that I use at least six pairs a night! When I explain that I've been using the same pair of scissors for the last ten years, it's often quite a surprise! (more…)
Sent to publisher
26.11.2011 by Charles Burns
I managed to finish the book, and lots of free silhouettes are going out in the post. "Mastering Silhouettes", full of silhouette ideas, is coming out in February and is available now for advance ordering on Amazon. (more…)
The Ink and Wash silhouettes of Mr Charles
14.04.2011 by Charles Burns
I sent the first draft of my book to the publishers this morning. It's been an intense few months, but I've really enjoyed the opportunity to write about people like Mr Charles and his ink-wash silhouettes. (more…)
Your profile needed!
25.01.2011 by Charles Burns
I need to ask for a little help. I've been commissioned to write a silhouette book, which for me is very exciting. The book is due to come out sometime in 2012. There's only one real problem. I don't know how to write!