Cutting's a fine art

With Christmas just around the corner, artist Sue Codee is getting ready for the Fremantle Arts Centre's Bazaar with her unique range of paper cuts.

Born and bred in Albany, Sue has been a practising artist for more than 20 years.

During her career, she has travelled around the world to work on art projects with people in isolated areas.

"It combined my love of travel, art and community," she said. "I went as far as the Philippines and Tibet, as well as remote Aboriginal communities.

"Most of the communities were marginalised in some aspect - it was an honour to be working with them."

After beating breast cancer last year, Sue decided to make a few changes to the direction of her art.

"I used to do a lot of abstract art but I found I couldn't do the large stuff any more," she said. "Paper cuts are much more manageable.

"There's a very personal feel to the work. A lot of it is about people and community."

Now healthy and back in the studio, Sue has developed The Papercut Life, a design range featuring handcut paper cuts as well as a laser cut range including brooches, pendants, cards and small artworks.

Her designs have been incorporated into Albany, with artworks displayed at Albany Town Library and the city's Aberdeen Medical Centre.

"Albany was always arty but it's becoming more so," she said.

"The work is really in the design. I have a laser cutter so I don't do so much hand cutting these days. In my previous life I exhibited at Fremantle Arts Centre. They are great, they support artists and designers from around WA."

·Every December, Fremantle Arts Centre's Bazaar takes over the gardens and grounds to share some of WA's treasures with shoppers.

This year more than 50 stallholders will bring their wares, including fashion, accessories, jewellery, homewares, textiles, ceramics, books, stationery, skincare, kids gifts and more, direct to the public.

Fremantle Arts Centre's Bazaar opens tomorrow for a one-of-a-kind night market, where you can pick up a drink and take a leisurely stroll through the stalls under the stars.

Then on Saturday and Sunday, enjoy shopping in the shady courtyard from 9am, visit the galleries and check out the exhibitions and have a bite to eat by the DJ booth for the complete shopping experience.

The times: Friday 5-10pm, Saturday and Sunday 9am-5pm.

Entry is $2 and kids under 12 are free.