the profiler

i was always sort of amazed that the victorian genre reared it's grandmotherly head back into the designosphere.-with flocked wallpapers , drippy black chandeliers and snoods (no, not really) becoming all cool and chic again.

but you know, whatever, you gotta mix it up, to keep it fresh.

one of the winner relics from this slowly fading fad, is the rediscovery of silhouette art. like the monogram it's a classic element that can be very personal and sentimental. it's graphic and strong while being subtle and staid.

the trouble is, unless you're lucky enough to unearth one at an estate sale, you're hard pressed to find an artist skilled in this rare art form.

karl johnson. is a master at cutting and his website cutarts.com has beautiful examples of his abilities. johnson takes custom orders based on photos you send to him. and if you live in the l.a. area, you can hire him to come to your parties!

(much cooler than that balloon guy your hired last time)

johnson not only creates personalized silhouettes but creates these gorgeoso animal pieces.

i love the way a few look in a room (this shot from turquoise in venice)

and i think they look so beautiful in a nursery or a child's room too. the simplicity of the graphic nature makes the silhouette really timeless, classic and modern.

and if the pictures aren't enough of an endorsement, check out this satisfied customer, he had one of johnson's works inked into his skin. now that's commitment.

oh and *bonus*, they're very reasonably priced. cutarts.com by ken johnson. check it.