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The work that artist Riane Leafworks posts on her Instagram is truly fantastical. Her brilliant nature art, which primarily features a diverse and adorable cast of woodland creatures, is reminiscent of classic children's book illustrations. Instead of using pen and paper or watercolor and canvas, Riane uses a different medium to display her stunning work: fallen leaves.
The Tokyo-based artist studied drawing at university and returned to the arts after her children encouraged her to do so. Her carved leaf art “focuses on the beauty of people and nature, the activities of animals and children, and the sounds of children interacting.”All of Riane's artwork is meticulously hand-carved into delicate leaves of varying shapes and sizes. Through her vivid designs, the artist is able to breathe new life into fallen foliage by filling them with wondrous scenes of adventure, family, and peace. Riane's work exudes warmth, and it's hard not to feel nostalgic for old children's stories as you peruse her portfolio of creations.
Browsing through her ever-growing catalog of work, it's easy to allow your own imagination to run wild just be viewing the work. As encouraging as it is for the artist to continue to create, it is equally rewarding for the spectator to absorb all the details of Riane's carvings. She often splits her scenes into above-ground and below-ground sections. While a bevy of woodland creatures frolic on top, there's a marvelous world of patterns below.
To view Riane's work for yourself, you can follow her on Instagram.
Artist Riane Leafworks is known for her stunning carved leaf art of quaint animal scenes.
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From a family of foxes frolicking in a field to a chicken and her chicks basking in the morning sun, each hand-carved creation radiates warmth.
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The artist “focuses on the beauty of people and nature” through her silhouettes carved into foliage.
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Each artistically transformed fallen leaf also presents a serene and whimsical scene filled with child-like wonder.
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And seeing one of Riane's pieces of leaf art in the real world, as a gentle breeze blows on the delicate material, is something truly magical to behold.
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Riane Leafworks: Website | Instagram
All images via Riane Leafworks.
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