Jad Fair

Jad Fair is a man of many talents: musician, writer, actor, and artist. His cut paper art is highly graphical and whimsical. The intricate and complex detail of his work involved is intriguing. His art simply brings a smile to my face.

Biography: Jad Fair is an artist and musician. He's released over 50 albums, 15 books and is featured in two films ("The Devil And Daniel Johnston" and "The Band That Would Be King").

Jad has always had a passion for art. "It's always been there" he says. He started drawing when he was only three years old. His artistic training includes some art classes, but "not enough to hurt me" he says.

Jad works out of his home in Manor, Texas but first started making paper cuttings 20 years ago while doing a lot of road travel. He wanted something to do on the long trips but his hand wasn't steady enough to draw while traveling in a car. He eventually discovered a tool he could use with ease while traveling the road: scissors. "I really enjoy cutting paper. It's such a different process than drawing. I draw right-handed, but I cut with scissors left-handed and the paper is often held upside down. It's a nice change. I cut very quickly. I'm sure there is a thought process, but it's fluid enough that I'm not aware of one. I've never felt any need for inspiration. It's all very natural. It just happens."

Jad has exhibited in NYC, San Francisco, Tokyo, Melbourne, Hamburg, Austin, Auckland, Orlando, Waxahachie, Indianapolis, Houston, Lincoln, Paris, Bordeaux and Baltimore. He is currently working on cover art for four albums, preparing for two exhibitions, finishing a book, and working on a magazine cover. Recently, he was informed that he is to be shown at the Grand Rapids Museum of Art during ArtPrize and is doing a huge cutting for it.

Statement: I first started making paper cuttings 20 years ago. I was traveling a lot and wanted something to do on long trips. My hand isn't steady enough to do drawings while traveling in a car, but I found I was fine with scissors. I really enjoy cutting paper. It's such a different process than drawing. I draw right handed, but I cut with scissors left handed and the paper is often held upside down. It's a nice change.

I cut very quickly. I'm sure there is a thought process, but it's fluid enough that I'm not aware of one. I've never felt any need for inspiration. It's all very natural. It just happens.

Read more in an interview with Jad on the Artmuse blog.