Quilling, also known as paper filigree, it a creative expression that dates all the way back to Ancient Egypt. It was also practiced as an art form during the Renaissance era in France and Italy, as well as in 18th century England. But though considered an ancient practice, quilling is still practiced these days by contemporary paper artists.
Husband-and-wife creative team Judith+Rolfe are amongst those contemporary practitioners, breathing new life into the traditional art form. While the pieces are crafted carefully by Judith, Rolfe is a more behind-the-scenes guy, helping out with “backstage stuff”, as Judith puts it.
“My favorite part of working with paper is when I get into the flow state and am fully immersed in the work,” she shared in an interview with Pendulum Magazine. According to Judith, the repetitive nature of cutting, shaping, and gluing paper becomes meditative and enjoyable.
“I’ve only been creating paper art since 2016,” she noted, explaining that the pair’s background mainly lies in architecture and interior design. “I still don’t feel entirely comfortable referring to myself as an ‘artist’”, Judith elaborated.
But though introduced to the quirky art form fairly recently, her work has quickly gained momentum and attracted some 30,000 fans on Instagram, as well as commercial clients like Allbirds, Estée Lauder, and Marriott International, with whom the duo have collaborated.
Their work often includes natural motifs, with flowers being a constant theme. Below you’ll find some of our favorite pieced by Judith+Rolfe.
