Did you know that 2011 is the International year of forests?

2011 was declared by the United Nations “The International Year of Forests”.

The aim of this action is to raise awareness on sustainable management, conservation and sustainable development of all types of forests by promoting the partnership between governments and active local and intentional associations.

The launch of this action toke place the February 2, at United Nations headquarters during the ninth session of the United Nations Forum on Forests.

The UN has organized several number of activities to celebrate the International Year and foster that include high-level panel discussions, film screenings, the issuance of the United Nations commemorative stamp series for the International Year, and other public events. Take a deeper look at the Global Platform created for this action.

Paper in a world of art! Paper Cut Project

The north american designers Nikki Salk and Amy Flurry create a kind of a theatrical pieces using paper-cut techniques. They collaborate together in this paper-cut project to produce elaborate hand made paper creations that can be exposed, for instance in clothing store as a accessory. This happened with the work “Wigs” that was commissioned by a clothing store. Some designs by this duo try’s to create surreal hair styles that can take the shape of an ice cream cone for example and are currently exposed in clothes shops windows, such as Jeffrey’s in Ny and Atlanta.

Find out more about this curious paper-cut work at www.paper-cut-project.com

Paper in a world of art! Peter Clark

Peter Clark is a surprising British artist who creates an imaginary world filled with extraordinary characters. His work is base on collages with different materials that he funds on the street. To build his collages he uses material, that can go from old stamps, maps, labels, love letters, cards, buttons or dress patterns and textiles. Using very different techniques, Clark manipulates his paper or other objects and creates three-dimensional images. He puts his hands on different textures, patterns and colours of his “trash” and creates extraordinary objects of our quotidian, from motorbikes to dresses, animals or beasts.

You can buy your piece of art at Clack's website or find more about Peter’s work.

Paper in a world of art! Gugger Petter

Gugger Petter is a Danish artist that works with newspaper for nearly twenty years. She creates two and three dimensional works with this material and her fascination with newspaper “consists not only of its being the diary of our lives” as she claims, it also presents her with a black and white, as well as a limited color palette, which has always been her choice.

For Gugger, newspaper is a very respectful material, she doesn't see it as “recycled” or “trash” material. The fragile newspaper is manipulated till it becomes a strong material, it is rolled tightly into tubes and later sealed by varnish. To give the 2 and 3 dimensional effect, Gugger uses the weaving technique which helps creating a desired heavy structure.

Be surprised by this creative artist and visit her some of her works at www.guggerpetter.com