Artist Profile: linda illgner

linda illgner

Bio:

linda l.v. Illgner Papermaker/Collage Artist Artistry in Every Sheet . . . making paper from various fibrous pulp, or altering found paper, Linda works with paper to create imagery. Her artwork has hundreds of pieces of paper, each torn from a gel printed sheet of handmade paper, rice paper or found paper then glued down to create a painting for one to relax and enjoy. Creating collage art that dazzles the eye and offers a unique perspective of nature both with texture and colors. Born in western Kansas, a farmer's daughter, she always loved the world of creating. She likes to say, “I married a great guy that supports my habit of making messes.” They have two beautiful daughters, two great guys and recently she became a grandmother! First learning of making handmade paper 30 years ago when the youngest daughter's Girls Scout troop visited an artist paper studio. She was hooked. While the work was impressive, what really caught Linda’s eye and started the juices flowing was the process of how the paper was made. In a nutshell, fibrous raw material is first converted into pulp by breaking down the material through cooking, chopping, and beating until you get a soupy mixture. Then the pulp is pulled using a mold and deckle and is pressed into paper. Fibers are found in any plant. Early on much of her focus was on the paper creation and learning how different fibers reveal themselves in a reconstituted paper. She made paper from several tree barks, plants, grains and even her father’s overalls. As she honed her skills, she quickly became interested in other ways to manipulate the paper by using colors, textures, patterns, and shapes, always keeping Mother Nature in mind. Papermaking became a tool. After learning how to work with fibers and transform them into pulp, she challenged herself to integrate and combine papers to expand a vision beyond a flat surface. Linda believes her work should radiate energy. She feels the entire surface of her work requires examination. Her construction of positive and negative spaces through collage is a chain reaction to keep one’s attention moving. The details in the collages are her way of bringing the viewer in, stimulating the eyes with inspiring words, textures, or images that excite and yet require one to take time; time to stop, look, feel, listen. Perfecting and evolving her artwork for years, Linda has enjoyed a rich family life, being active in the church and working various jobs in the building industry; for 37 years living in Texas (San Antonio area) and then three years in Florida. Moved back to Kansas in June 2024 to create, learn and support the arts. Linda’s paper makings have been included in many juried and group shows, received various awards and included in several private collections throughout the country. By combining images, printed material, and even found objects, linda l.v. illgner creates collage art that dazzle the eye and offer a unique perspective of nature. http://papermakings.com/ llvillgner@gmail.com 210-913-6745