Q. What is the Illinois Artisans Program?
A. For 25 years the IAP has been an initiative that focuses national attention on the rich heritage of the fine crafting that exists in Illinois. They market crafts through Illinois Artisans shops located in the James R. Thompson Center, Chicago; the Museum Store at the Illinois State Museum in Springfield; the Museum Shop at the Dickson Mounds Museum; and the Southern Illinois Artisans Shop at Rend Lake. My work is currently on display and for sale at the Thompson Center and Rend Lake locations. IAP website
Q.
Will you be presenting your work or demonstrating your technique any time
soon?
A. Currently I have about 20 pieces of my work displayed at Grace Lutheran Church in River Forest, IL.
January 2012 Events
January 13 - 14: Demonstration, Exhibition and Sales
Water Works Visitors Center
Corner of Michigan and Pearson, Chicago, IL
More info...January 23 - 27:Exhibit and Sales
James S. Thompson Center Atrium
100 West Randolph Street Chicago, IL
I displayed my snowflakes at the Orland Park Public Library in Orland Park, IL during the month of December, 2010. (Photo below)
In February of 2010 Joy Curry of the WETN Joy in the Morning Show (FM 88.1, Wheaton College, Wheaton, IL) invited me to be on the program. There is an .MP3 of this conversation at the WETN website.
I will post infornation on any upcoming exhibits or presentations as soon as the information is finalized.
The display at Orland Park Public Libary, December - 2010. There were 24 of my works, a display of my folding method, photos of real snow crystals taken by Wilson "Snowflake" Bentley, and sample folding/cutting instruction sheets.
Q.
Paper snowflakes?
A. Yes. Paper snowflakes.
Ever since my brother came home from kindergarten with a couple of them,
I have been fascinated with their symmetry, precision and beauty. I asked
him to show me how he had learned to fold the paper for a six-pointed
flake (To download an instruction sheet for how to fold a six-pointed
flake, click
here and to download helps for
making the 30 degree folds, click
here.) Every Christmas since that time many years ago, I have
spent time making snowflakes to put up as decorations for the holidays.
My brother hasn't made
any!
Q. What kind of paper do you use?
For years I used
plain paper and scissors to make my snowflakes. If you fold the paper
the way I do, you are cutting through 12 layers of paper. If you've ever
tried to cut that many layers of regular bond paper, you know how much
strength it takes and how the paper has a tendency to twist as you try
to cut.
Several years ago I made two discoveries that changed everything. The
first was tracing paper. It is thinner yet is strong enough to stand the
rigors of cutting. The second discovery was the use of an X-acto knife.
With thinner paper and a precision cutting instrument, I found that I
could cut much more intricate, interesting and creative designs.
Q.
Why six pointed snowflakes and not 4 or 8 points?A. Mainly because that's the structure of a real snowflake. The more I
make, though, the more I like the challenge of making the design work
with six points, in the same way that a poet chooses a particular form
(haiku, limerick or sonnet) that has a specific structure. Working within
that framework (or limitation, depending on your perspective) is the creative
challenge.
Q. Who is Wilson Bentley and why were you talking about him on Moody Radio?
A. In 1885 Wilson Bentley was the first person to photograph a snowflake. His success was the result of a rare combination of observation, patience, dedication and creativity. He was a man with a passion to understand and enjoy the created world around him. He was also very generous, more than willing to share his beautiful discoveries with anyone who asked. February 9, 2005 was 140th anniversary of Mr. Bentley's birth, and I was interviewed by phone (at 6:00am... yawn) on Moody Radio to explain about this remarkable man and about the inspiration he is for me and many others. I also had the chance to talk a little about the work that I do with paper snowflakes. More information on Wilson Bentley.
Q. Do you make and sell snowflakes just at Christmas time?
A. I make them pretty
much year-round. Of course there is a bigger demand during the holiday
season, but I have made ones for Valentine's Day and other occasions throughout
the year. You can contact me at any time at 630-898-4017.
Q.
How long does it take to make one of your creations?
A. Depending on the complexity of the design it can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 1.5 hours to do the cutting. On some designs I have spent significant time researching ideas from books and illustrations. Others I create on the spur of the moment. If the design is intricate it can take 20-30 minutes just to unfold the paper and flatten it out.
Q. Where do you get
your ideas?
A.
My goal is not necessarily to reproduce the designs in nature, but to
have fun with shapes, themes and images. I have received a great deal
of inspiration from Frank Lloyd Wright's architecture and window designs.
I have recently done some research into Celtic designs. I have made flakes
using a person's initials, basic geometric shapes, musical notation and
letterforms. I'm always looking for new ideas, and I do special orders
for folks who want a unique gift for a family member or friend.
Q. Do you sell your snowflakes?
A. Yes. I sell them
mostly privately, but occasionally I will display my work at an art or
craft show. To see an example of paper snowflake framed in a 16 x 20 inch
metal frame click here.
Q. Do you take special orders?
A. I consider it a
privilege when someone asks me to make a snowflake for a friend or family
member. If you contact me I will be glad to discuss this further with
you.
Q.
What is the cost of your snowflakes?
A. Lately many of my works display best in a 16" x 20" metal
frame with a black matte finish and the price for this size is $80. Other
framing options are available for additional cost. To see an example of
paper snowflake framed in a 16 x 20 inch metal frame click
here. For the creation of a custom design, there is a design
fee of $20-30, depending on the complexity of the project.
Q. Do you know of any good websites regarding snowflakes... paper and otherwise?
A. Here is a brief list of some of the best websites I've come across:
- Virtual paper snowflakes
- Cut out a virtual snowflake. There's nothing to sweep up! (incredible
example of Flash animation!) CLICK
- Watch a snowflake
crystal grow... before your eyes! CLICK
- New photos of snowflakes...
in brilliant color! CLICK
- Snowflakes under the electron microscope. CLICK
Q.
What is "kahnjee.com"?
A. I've spent a total of 18 years living and working in Japan. The Japanese word for their complicated writing system is "kanji" which is pronounced "kahnjee". These stunning graphic characters, which are actually imported from China, are not letters but actually symbols that represent ideas or concepts. All my life I have been inspired by these "word pictures" and I have chosen this word to summarize and symbolize the variety of creative services that I can provide.
All designs and images copyright 2002 Les Barker. Any unauthorized use of the designs and images is prohibited.