Cutting and Tearing with artist Lisa Takahashi

In this new series of sessions, artist Lisa Takahashi invited group members to playfully explore the creative potential of paper, revealing the expressive range of this everyday material.

We began with rhythmic folding and cutting to create a small booklet-style zine for collecting our experiments. Inspired by Ernst Röttger’s fantastic book, Creative Paper Craft, Lisa guided us through simple prompts – such as balanced rhythm, movement toward the middle, and movement in one direction – encouraging personal interpretation through paper.

In the second session, we explored how repetitive, meditative actions can open up unpressurised creativity. Focusing on tearing rather than cutting, we examined the physicality of the process, the softer, more organic edges it produces, and the freedom found in working with simple, bold shapes. Grounded in ideas of process art, the sessions emphasised staying present, observing as we work, and allowing space for play and discovery.

We’re so excited to continue this journey with Lisa into 2026 – when, from January, we’ll be switching to one online session each month, on the first Wednesday, as always at 6.30pm.

Lisa Takahashi
Jan 7
Feb 4

New members are welcome at any time, and to help us keep the sessions running, we kindly ask for a small donation of £5-£50 for access to the group. However if this isn’t affordable for you, please let us know – we never want cost to be a barrier to taking part.

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Join us for creative sessions, delivered online by a range of exciting artists. Keeping creativity as accessible as possible – either join us live or watch back in your own time.

Wednesdays 6.30 – 7.30pm on Facebook Live. Plus a library of recordings.
Contact for more information and bookings: admin@somersetartworks.org.uk
www.somersetartworks.org.uk

Images: group members and the lead artist

With thanks to funding support in 2025 from Somerset Community Foundation and Arts Council England