I strongly recommend the Nikki McClure exhibition, Cutting Her Own Path, 1996 – 2012, at the Bellevue Arts Museum. Nikki has been creating paper cuts since 1996 and her work is compelling on many levels. As graphical designs, the pieces are interesting because the shapes are simplified to the absolute essentials, and yet they are still intricate. The compositions are strong and the knife work is excellent, but the thing that really makes the collection sing is that everything Nikki does communicates her life experience and philosophy. Her values and the world she lives in come across easily and naturally.

The exhibit showcases the papercuts, but it also includes many of Nikki’s calendars, books and album covers, along with essays from her friends in the music industry and an explanation of her process. My favorite book was The Great Chicken Escape. Check out the pictures in the book and then read the note at the end.

The exhibit runs through February 3rd, 2013.