Artist Ayumi Shibata uses the Japanese art of paper cutting to create three-dimensional sculptures. Using dozens (sometimes more than 100) sheets of paper, Shibata creates intricate cityscapes and forests that are organized into hand-bound books housed in glass jars. When illuminated by light, the white paper layer glows to create a cinematic depth.
Paper is not only a convenient and cheap material, but it also has profound significance to artists. In Japanese, the word "kami" means "god" or "spirit" as well as "paper." Rather than being intimidated by the blank space of a new piece of paper, Shibata saw endless possibilities. Each layer is cut out freehand without any pencil outlines. Shibata said: "I use my skills to express my gratitude to 'Kami'. I believe that through paper-cutting, I can purify my mind and soul."
For artists, the process of making a work of art is as important as the final result. She sees her creative act as embedding new life into each work of art. The artist hopes that her paper world can become a place for people to communicate and coexist with Kami.
Japanese paper art by artist Ayumi Shibata.
She stacks dozens of drawings together to create 3D cityscapes and forests.
