Marlies Benjamin

Decoupage, derived from the French word decouper. It means 'to cut" It is a decorative art originating in 17th Century Italy.  Cut out images were pasted on a prepared surface and then covered, layer upon layer, by clear lacquer for a glassy finish.  The final appearance could then be mistaken for a painting.  

I am inspired by Art Nouveau and memories of European and Japanese museums. Using Italian and Japanese speciality gift wrapping papers, precision cut images are glued to uniquely painted surfaces:  wood, ceramic, shell, glass and egg (emu & goose). Multiple layers of clear varnish are then applied over several months.

I hope you will be as delighted owning one of my pieces as I was designing and creating it.