About the Silhouette Artist
Ruth Cashin Monsell of Maine and South Carolina, loves to draw, paint and cut out people. Her specialties are the nearly-lost art of the silhouette, and portraiture. She began cutting silhouettes in New York in the late 1970’s and has since worked as an artist-in-residence at dozens of schools, taught portraiture and silhouette art, worked live at innumerable art shows, and lectured on the history of the silhouette. She also cuts profiles from life at locations as diverse as schools, libraries, galleries, historical societies, museums, nursing homes, and aboard cruise ships. Her detailed silhouettes are also popular for corporate and private events such as weddings, across the U.S. and Canada.
Already an established portrait painter, Ruth began cutting silhouettes about 4 decades ago when she noticed a complete absence of silhouette artists at art shows. She taught herself the nearly-lost art form and found the response overwhelming. “I am constantly told by people that they haven’t seen a silhouettist at work anywhere outside of Disneyworld in decades. They are often thrilled to be able to add to a multi-generational collection of older family silhouettes.” There are only a about 2 dozen other silhouette artists scattered across the country.
At events, silhouettes not only provide guests with a custom heirloom, but also add to the entertainment. Watching profiles quickly emerge from just small scissors and black paper is fun to watch.The comment she hears most frequently is “amazing!”
Reservations for sittings may be made at 207-350-1020. Optionally, you may click the button below to request a free quote through email.
