How are the artworks made?
I create art out of paper. I love the humility and versatility of paper. The way it reacts to cutting and folding, rolling and unravelling, and playing with shadows and highlights is thrilling.
I use a technique called Paper Quilling which is shaping and working with strips of paper and gluing them vertically. I also make 3D artwork through Paper Engineering which is designing, shaping and creating geometric blocks of paper that coming together like pieces of an architectural plan.
I occasionally do large scale Islamic Geometric works with watercolors.
How did you learn quilling and 3D engineering?
Experimentation and wild ideas. It has taken me more than a decade of tinkering around with paper to come with a distinctive voice. There was no real method or book that I used but a lot has gone into learning about color theory, floral anatomy and geometry. I have learnt Islamic geometry from a geometer. I do not use any 3D modeling for my 3D designs, some of these designs take me 2 years to figure out. It is a slow and tedious process like an investigation where I work as a detective.
Are the works for sale?
Yes. See here for available pieces. My works are usually released in collections and sold out. Please signup for the mailing list for news on new releases.
Do you take commissions and art projects?
Yes. I take personal commissions and work with art consultants for commercial projects. You can view my works in gallery. Please email me zmurtaza@gmail.com for more info
What does your art mean? Why work with paper?
My expressions are cut and folded into unique balance around geometric and floral pieces. I am interested in what can be possible. As a creator and explorer of ideas, my work often begins with imagining how things would look and turn a certain way. Paper is so versatile. It is also very forgiving. You can bend, cut, poke, fold, paint on it, shred it and put it back to together, just so many things one can do! We think of it as a medium to be worked upon and never as a color palette itself. It has the potential to give depth and structure, create moods and shadows, and just tell a story.
Ultimately, my work is for the viewer. I am just another medium or paint brush that makes the work and my finished work is meant to go out and connect with other things.
How did you learn to make paints and process rare pigments?
I like to dig deep. I also have a thing going on with colors. So I learnt how to make watercolors and process semi precious and historical stones like Lapis Lazuli, Malachite, Azurite and various minerals.
Can I learn from you?
Yes. I’ve teamed up with my friend to create a Beginner’s Quilling Kit and other quilling resources. See here.
I’ve also collaborated with The Crafter’s Box and taught 3 workshops. The Floral Quilling Workshop, Eastern Geometric Designs and 3D Star Lanterns. See here.