Emily Krill

Each piece in this series began with a cat in a playful pose, set loose on a ground of antique paper. Every background comes from real ephemera: a nineteenth century penmanship exercise, Chemistry homework, a handwritten ledger page, a technical diagram traced in pencil. The cat sits directly on top of that history, watching it rather than erasing it.

Each framed collage measures 5 by 7 inches and is presented in a white shadow box frame, ready to hang. The framing gives the piece real depth. Light falls across the layered papers and catches the small glints of gold leaf detail worked into the collar and face. Every layer is cut, arranged, and adhered by hand, built from paper I’ve gathered over the years.

Each background is one of a kind, drawn from antique paper ephemera that can’t be replaced once it’s used. Every finished piece is assembled individually, so the pairing of pose, pattern, and paper is specific to that piece. Each one arrives ready to display, ships securely in its frame, and comes with a signed certificate of authenticity. If you’re drawn to a specific cat, pattern, or background story, feel free to reach out. I’m happy to answer questions about these cat collages.