Elizabeth Gregory-Gruen

Beginning with the featureless plane of a blank paper canvas and a surgeon’s scalpel, Gregory-Gruen finds direction spontaneously, or as she says, “I cut from the gut.”

Though seemingly perfect and symmetrical at first glance, the original images are cut with no guide, defined by the authentic energy of the free hand cutting. The reverse-relief effect is achieved by first cutting what will become the top layer of paper, with each subsequent sheet layered and cut individually. About her process, Gregory-Gruen says, “It is visceral. A meditation. Imperfection is perfection.”

Growing up in Chicago, Elizabeth Gregory – Gruen was introduced to the architectural world of Frank Lloyd Wright. This inspired her imagination to experiment with 3-dimensional design using natural light and shadow. Elizabeth came to New York City in 1985 to study Fashion Design at Parsons School of Design. Graduating in 1989 with a BFA in Fashion Design she went on to work at top design houses. Her work has appeared in major fashion magazine editorials including Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar and InStyle. She currently resides in New York City with her husband Bob Gruen.

Courtesy of Ivy Brown Gallery