Nature’s Papercuts

I see beauty in imperfection. I noticed these insect eaten leaves in my garden and I am amazed how nature creates beautiful artwork…like papercuts that a human hand can hardly replicate.

I am inspired by these nature’s papercuts to create a black and white series. First I pick the physalis leaves devoured by insects, then press dry in the microwave, disinfecting while straightening out the leaves. I then add my Chinese calligraphy and seal, then scan the art in black and white. What is great is that I have no control over how these amazing insects create their art, and each leaf is one-of-a-kind, that makes my “Nature’s Papercuts” series full of variety and surprises.

This is the leaf that inspired my creation of the “Nature’s Papercuts” series.

As I have no control over how these amazing insects create their art, each leaf is one-of-a-kind. One drawback of allowing these insects the artistic freedom and eat the leaves is that I have to sacrifice the physalis fruits (Chinese lanterns) which become scarce due to lack of nutrients.

Artist: Oi Yee Tai

Website: oystudio.com