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.
Speed cutting secrets
09.06.2014 by Charles Burns
The thing which most struck me after the "Off With Your Head!" speed-cutting contest was just how entertaining it had all been. With Cindi Rose and I cutting back-to-back, silhouettes began filling the room within minutes. Everybody went away with at least one portrait and most got two. (more…)
Does ‘One’ in Houston mean ‘Go’?
12.05.2014 by Charles Burns
There seems to be some ambiguity over the silhouette speed-cutting world record. The main item on our 2014 US agenda was a trip to Houston to meet the world’s fastest silhouette artist: Cindi Harwood Rose. Her record stands at 144 silhouettes cut in one hour. Our film, Silhouette Secrets, is to end with the speed-cutting duel we fought in Houston. There's only one problem: nobody seems to know the result!
Free Silhouettes and other silly ideas
25.01.2014 by Charles Burns
Free silhouettes! I begin this year in a state of high excitement. We have started filming “Silhouette Secrets” in earnest. This is my first foray into the world of film (apart from occasional TV appearances: Blue Peter, Tales of Tools, Big Brother's Big Mouth etc.) I’m thoroughly enjoying the experience. (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…)