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New Paper Cut Illustrations with Marvelous Details Carved Out of a Single Sheet

By Kelly Richman-Abdou on August 23, 2017

Paper Cutting Art Paper Cut Out Paper Art Pippa Dyrlaga

Artist Pippa Dyrlaga is truly a master of paper cutting. The gifted crafter produces intricately detailed creations with visually stimulating patterns. Much like her older paper art, each of Dyrlaga's recent works are crafted from a single sheet of paper, showcasing the artist's steady hand and unwavering skill.

Spanning stylized flora, fauna, and even anatomy (a central theme of her new Biophilia-themed series), the Yorkshire-based artist's collection of cut-outs appears to exhibit an eclectic interest in subject matter. However, the motifs explored in her paper cutting portfolio predominantly relate to nature, as they are inspired by her rural upbringing. Given her time spent “surrounded by the best of British wildlife,” many of the creatures conveyed are the various species of birds that, like the artist, call northern England's waterways home.

While her designs have grown increasingly complex since she began practicing the craft nearly a decade ago, her process remains the same. First, she sketches each design in reverse. Then, using an X-ACTO knife, she carefully carves out the drawings' details. Once she's made each incision, she turns the sheet over, revealing a pristine paper creation.

If you'd like to follow Dyrlaga's paper-centric path, be sure to take note of her recent Reddit advice. “Take your time,” she explains. “Experiment and don't be worried if they aren't great at first. Experiment till you find a good paper you love and just keep practicing! Never rush either, if I don't feel like I'm properly focused, I walk away from it for a while.” Or, if you'd rather cut to the chase and purchase one of Dyrlaga's own paper cut-outs or prints, be sure to stop by her online shop.