Bernadette Fahmy is a paper artist. She hand cuts one-of-a-kind art pieces from various types of paper and adds a hand-made frame for hanging in a window or in a custom light-box for self-illumination. She loves the intersection of light and color to beautify spaces.
Bernadette’s artistic eye is fun, surrealistic, realistic, and stunning. She finds beauty in everyday objects, animals, and people. Whether layering paper, sawing and sanding wood, or wiring light circuits, her skill is precise and masterful.
In the genre of paper art, she has developed her own unique method of cutting and layering paper, which she calls Luminous Paper Art™. As a cousin to collage, she cuts and glues paper. In the style of stained glass, her colors radiate when light shines through. Like a painting, her compositions tell a story, set a mood, and evoke feelings.
After moving into a studio apartment with large French doors…
Bernadette created her first paper art piece – a California Oak tree – to decorate her room and bring in color infused with light. In the process, she discovered—between singing and playing her guitars—that designing, cutting, and piecing together paper into unique pieces of art was a satisfying creative outlet.
She starts with an idea…
from her latest musical discovery, a photo from a friend, a poem, or her own guitar. The next step involves laying out a unique composition, cutting out a template from card stock in various colors, and then filling in spaces with tissue paper. The thin tissue paper lets in light and infuses the room with color. The art is as beautiful at night with ambient light as it is in the day with the daylight shining through.
In her workshop…
Bernadette fashions custom-made box frames out of wood. She sources the wood, cuts it to size, sands, and oils the pieces, then assembles them into a frame. The backless frame is deep enough to house the art within a groove cut into the wood. Because her frames are completely hand made, she has the freedom to add embellishments such as inlaid shell or other decorations.
Once the art and frame are complete, she encases the art between two pieces of UV-resistant acrylic and slides it into the grooves of the frame. Her art pieces are meant to be hung in a window so that light shines through the paper and “turns on” the colors.
After much research, trial, and error, Bernadette designed her own method of illuminating her art pieces as an alternative to the backless frame. She adds a wood backing to the frame, adheres and wires LED strips with sufficient density to light the art and with a pattern that avoids hot spots, adds a power source, and inserts a switch. In the off state, the colors are beautiful; in the on state, they are luminous.
Products and Services
One-of-a-Kind Art
Select one of the pieces shown in the Store, or commission a unique custom-made art piece from your own idea, photo, or design. Click Commission in the main menu to get started.
Paper Art Workshops
Spend an afternoon with friends, family, or co-workers learning a new skill and take home a beautiful framed Luminous Paper Art piece.
Limited-Edition Art
Limited-edition art pieces are in runs of 40 pieces. Pricing is based on size and level. Levels are determined by the number of items sold to date, and increase in price after every ten items sold.
Private Events
Book a corporate or private event tailored to your group and agenda for team-building, spending quality time together, or just catching up with friends.
Custom Light Box Frame
Add a custom designed light box frame to your commissioned or limited-edition art. These frames are made to order with LED lights battery or electric powered. Click Commission to get the process started.
Art Templates & Supplies
For those who want to take their new skill to a new level, purchase additional paper art templates, a hand-made light box work surface, and an artists toolkit.
“The amazing thing about her art is she creates them by cutting out intricate pieces of colored tissue paper. Almost like stained glass but on a much higher level of detail.”
— Scott and Tammy O’Neill, Owners/Founders, Makana Cellars, Napa, CA
“I love music and to see my favorite singer illuminated in my window everyday. Bernadette is special and her art is truly beautiful.”
— Temple Heyball, Friend and Art Collector
“This was our favorite engagement moment and Bernadette was able to capture it as beautiful art.”
— George and Britney Fahmy, Brother and (new) Sister-in-Law
“The sun rises and shines on my piece so I have two sunrises every morning!
— Steve White, Friend and Art Collector
Hi folks, my name is Bernadette and this website showcases what I’m passionate about. I love creating art and challenging myself to make unique pieces and come up with the next new thing to keep me busy.
When I’m not creating art, you can find me listening to jazz, reggae, and hip hop; playing guitar and singing with friends; and watching classic films. Thanks for stopping by.