Our Studio Snapshot tours have taken us far and wide, but today we’re introducing an artist who is local to lovely New Jersey! We recently discovered Adriana Saipe when Princeton University commissioned her to create the cover of the Princeton Alumni Weekly‘s 2026 Reunions Guide. You can read the PAW interview with her here.
Adriana’s original piece, “Tiger Crossing the Delaware,” is an absolutely breathtaking feat of paper engineering, It will be on display in Firestone Library lobby (right outside of Cotsen) through July 12th. In the meantime, let’s visit Adriana’s studio for a personal tour!
Images courtesy of Adriana Saipe
I’m very lucky that my studio is in my house. This is great for being able to work after my three daughters are in bed. The downside is that my three daughters like to sneak in and get creative with all my supplies. And they are always ALWAYS stealing my tape.
I hoard bits of colorful paper like a squirrel gathers nuts. A few years ago, I bought a large metal flat file set of drawers from another artist. I’ve since filled all the drawers with colorful scraps of things which I then use in my paper cutting and collage projects. I also really like to make paper flowers, so I often have bins of those lying around.
I collect prints and original artwork from some of my favorite illustrators. The bottom piece here is one of my favorites – it’s an original graphite and gouache study by the great Carson Ellis for her amazing book Du Iz Tak?. I find it so inspiring to see what her process is like up close. And I get to enjoy the company of these small, charismatic bugs while I work.
When I’m not paper-cutting, I often work on digital illustrations for clients. I draw on a Wacom Cintiq. It’s big and heavy, so I can’t take it on the go, but it’s one of my favorite studio tools. What I can take on the go is my sketchbook, which comes with me just about everywhere. With three small kids at home, finding time for fun drawing is a challenge, so I try to sneak it in during swim lessons and soccer practice.
My commercial work often involves large format printing and laser cutting, and for that I rely on my Epson P6000 and my Epilog Fusion Edge respectively. I’m not very technologically-competent, but I’ve had to learn quite a bit in order to service and maintain these two big machines.
Working from home wouldn’t be the same without my trusty studio assistant, “Scribbles”. He helps by eating small bits of paper off the floor, and sighing loudly when he thinks I could benefit from getting outside for a walk.
Psssst did we mention that Adriana wants to try illustrating children’s books???
Originally hailing from Columbus, Ohio, Barbara Hess Valenza (1961-2024) earned a B.A. in Communications and Theatre from Miami University (Oxford, Ohio) and began her career in New York City in the art department of Jim Henson Productions. In 2011, she transitioned to Princeton University as the Assistant Director of Graphic Services and The Digital Print Center, and then as the inaugural Director of Library Communications in 2017. A long-time resident of Hopewell, New Jersey, she and her husband, Mark, raised their two children — Laura and Nathaniel — with much love and laughter. Barbara believed in the positive power of art and literature, and, as a talented and giving artist, honored the responsibility and privilege that comes with creating.
Kindness, positivity, imagination, hope, and happiness run through Barbara’s works like golden threads on a beautiful tapestry. In her illustrations and words, Barbara shared her artistic soul while also encouraging readers to embrace and express their own creativity. Central to her stories are personal connections — families to be celebrated, friends to be discovered, and feelings to be shared.
From bears in bursting rainbow gardens to birthday parties for dachshund dogs, Barbara’s illustrations are vivid and bold; joyful and jubilant. The exhibition, coordinated by family, friends, and colleagues, is a loving tribute to her creative and giving spirit. To quote Barbara’s own inspiring words: This is a great day. Be wonderful in everything you do. Make the world a brighter place. Have lots and lots of fun. Be happy.
