Breathtaking are the works of Carmel Ilan, an Israeli paper artist that I encountered during my visit to the “Fresh Paint 2013” event in Tel Aviv.

Carmel was studying sculpture when she found herself challenged with a self-portrait assignment and discovered the magic of paper. From that moment on, paper became her premier medium. And let me tell you, Carmel has definitely taken paper to a whole new level.

There is a lot to love about Carmel’s works of art. From up close, you feel overwhelmed by the amount of labor and hand-craft: numerous skillfully folded pieces of paper layered into a wooden base. Take a few steps backwards, and you are struck by the subtle forms that are created either by the various densities of paper layers, or by the slightest touch of color change, or by the play of heights. I was absolutely moved and awe-inspired!

Carmel considers her art as a personal journey and a reflection of her state of being. “The paper takes me”, she says. She begins with many sketches, after which she chooses the one she feels she needs to work with. The final result is always a change apart from the initial conception, influenced by the textures and colors of the paper but also by the atmosphere, feelings and moods of the artist herself.

There is this pure feeling about Carmel’s work. There are no color manipulations and the papers are taken out of old books, donated by various libraries. Not only does her art isolate her from the hectic world outside of her studio, but the working process and paper forces her to take it slow. She really loves and embraces this form of “Slow Art”, and it shows.

Carmel is currently preparing for a solo exhibition in Japan in 2014. She has generously shared with us three beautiful photos of her ingenious paper art. The woman is absolutely my favorite one! It is filled with multi-layered mystery, yet at the same time it is bare to the core, almost vulnerable. I feel very fortunate, as Carmel also invited me to her studio, which is a fantastic opportunity to witness this great artist at work (I will keep you posted).

Paper artist Carmel Ilan’s works are presented by Rawart Gallery, and a wide presentation of her works can be found on her website.