Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Daphne Lee. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Daphne, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Have you been able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen? Was it like that from day one? If not, what were some of the major steps and milestones and do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?

It never ceases to amaze me that I can call myself a full-time paper artist. This naturally did not happen from day one. My journey in paper art started in 2016. Luckily, coming from an architecture background, and with dedication and persistence, I was able to earn a full-time living from my creative work in around 3 years. Major steps and milestones include:
I focused on honing my creative skills through constant practice. This helped me refine my craft and build a unique style.
I created a portfolio showcasing my work and started sharing it on social media, and on my website.
I started getting press articles and interviews on various blogs and design sites. This exposure helped me gain recognition and attract clients who resonated with my work.
As I gained momentum, I took on different types of projects and collaborated with corporate clients, which has played a significant role in expanding my client base.
Being invited to join the Paper Artist Collective in 2018. PAC is a global community of paper artists, and it is a great support system to be able to engage with fellow creatives.
Being chosen to participate in American Craft Council’s inaugural Emerging Artist Cohort in 2021 was a significant achievement. Through the program, in addition to networking, I learned many skills, such as marketing, branding, financial management, etc. If the program existed earlier on in my career, it would no doubt have sped up the process.
Also, knowing what I know now, I would have tried to find a mentor early on, who could have provided valuable guidance, shortcuts, and insights.

Daphne, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Hi, I’m Daphne Lee, a Singaporean-born Chinese paper artist, and the creative mind behind JUDiTH+ROLFE, a bespoke paper art studio. Before discovering my passion for paper crafting, I worked as an architect in New York City for over a decade. Following a move to Minneapolis–Saint Paul, JUDiTH+ROLFE was launched in 2016, and has since relocated to Virginia.
The artwork has been displayed in galleries and museums, as well as in private collections globally. The work has been featured on media outlets like Twin Cities PBS and Colossal. In addition to fine art commissions, I have also collaborated with art consultants, editorial teams, and corporate clients.

I create contemporary, dimensional paper artwork, and specialize in working with on-edge paper strips. My self-taught technique involves gluing individual strips of paper on their edges, a process that echoes the traditional craft of quilling or paper filigree work, which has been practiced for centuries. With my background in architecture, design, and photography, I re-imagine this ancient technique with a contemporary twist. I approach my practice with intention, taking my time and repeating the process in a meditative manner, challenging the expectations of the method and the medium.

I draw inspiration from nature as a universal language, with flora being a prominent theme in my artwork. I strive to bring the beauty of the natural world indoors, creating a calming space that invites viewers to slow down and breathe. My paper sculptures occupy an intriguing space between two and three dimensions, with light and shadow being integral elements of the composition. The artwork responds to the surrounding light and changes as the viewer’s perspective shifts, providing a one-of-a-kind visual experience.

Alright – so here’s a fun one. What do you think about NFTs?

I must admit that I vacillate on my opinion regarding NFTs. While it’s great that NFTs have opened up new possibilities for artists to monetize their digital creations, I can’t overlook the environmental impact associated with minting and maintaining NFTs. Not to mention the whole speculative nature of the market, leading to inflated prices for digital artwork, makes me uncertain about its long-term viability. Also, underlying copyright issues and intellectual property rights raises concerns.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The process of creating something from nothing is incredibly gratifying. A piece of paper transformed into a work of art conveys my inner world in a way that words alone cannot communicate. Being able to share my perspective with the world is a powerful and uplifting thing.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.judithandrolfe.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/judithandrolfe
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/judithandrolfe
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/judithandrolfe
• Other: https://www.pinterest.com/judithandrolfe https://www.behance.net/judithandrolfe