Artist Spotlight: Claude-Gerard
Claude-Gerard is an Atlanta-based artist who captures the essence of interpersonal discovery through three-dimensional paper sculptures and optical art paintings. Born in Massachusetts in 1992 and now based in Georgia, his work has been featured in multiple exhibitions across Atlanta.
Claude-Gerard is a registered nurse of 10 years, his art reflects his profound appreciation for the fragility of individuality through the use of intricate layers. His hand-cut paper sculptures are a reflection of the delicate nature of human existence, while his use of sacred geometry serves to emphasize the interconnectedness of all things.
Claude-Gerard's art inspires us to reflect on the complex connections that unite us as human beings. His work mirrors the profound relationship between the mind and the world, emphasizing the strength of self-reflection and personal growth.
How did you develop your unique style of three-dimensional paper sculptures and optical art paintings?
I used to experiment with digital art, mainly photography and digital collage. I moved on to analog collage once I decided to start making physical works, but the collages were lacking depth. So, out of curiosity, I explored the concept of layered paper sculptures with collages on the surfaces. Eventually, I abandoned the 2D collage element and really leaned into the layered sculpture idea.
The optical paintings started out as a study. I liked the idea of observing things from a lower dimension and experimented with the concept, which ultimately led to translating the designs of the three-dimensional sculptures back down to 2D. Whereas the sculptures are similar to buildings or 3D structures, the paintings are akin to 2D blueprints.
Could you describe your creative process when working on a new piece?
I start off by fleshing out a design on Adobe Illustrator. A lot of attention goes into the details, the concentric shapes, the line work, and the symmetry. Once I have a design that I like, I'll separate the design into individual layers and print each one onto cardstock. I’ll cut everything out by hand (that’s the fun part) and assemble everything into a finished sculpture.
How do you hope your art impacts people and encourages them to reflect on these themes?
I really want to push the idea of interpersonal discovery, and so each piece is unique, like an individual. The layered sculptures represent the exploration of a person’s depths and complexities through their own personal layers. I get a lot of comments about how mesmerizing the pieces are. The designs have a tendency to draw people in, and the optical motifs serve as a kind of visual meditation.
What challenges do you face when working with paper as a medium?
Coming up with a new idea is easy, and every new idea brings a new set of challenges. My early works utilized a variety of colors and gradients, but I was limited to whatever colored cardstock I could find in craft stores. So then I learned how to airbrush acrylics and inks onto cardstock for more accurate color gradients. With that came the challenge of finding the right paper that could tolerate paint without warping too much. Another issue I've faced is size. Initially, I was limited to 8.5” x 11” sculptures, the standard size for most paper. Once I decided to move on to larger works, I needed to source larger format cardstock and find a way to transfer designs onto them. I currently use a large format printer that allows for designs upwards of 24” x 36”.
Can you share a specific piece of artwork that holds special significance to you, and explain the story or inspiration behind it?
The majority of my work draws from my experiences as a mental health nurse. However, over the past year, I've grown more comfortable creating works that relate more to my experiences with psychedelics. One of those sculptures, Ad Infinitum, is an attempt to depict these types of experiences. If there were some means of capturing a fraction of that experience, I think this would be a physical manifestation of it, like a snapshot. The design, due to its size and level of detail, presented a creative challenge throughout the process. Overall, it is a recollection of the surreal and infinitely complex.
Claude-Gerard’s work will be featured in our upcoming exhibition ‘Perspectives’
'PERSPECTIVES' a group exhibition featuring small works from 60+ local and international artists.
Opening Reception - Saturday, May 18th, 2024, from 6-10 PM.
Request access to the show catalog: SIGN UP HERE
Featured Artwork
‘ENTROPY,’ 2023
16 × 20 × 1 3/4 in | 40.6 × 50.8 × 4.4 cm
Acrylic, Ink, Paper
