Filigree paper carving by Japanese artist Rika Fukuda

They say that paper will endure everything. If we consider this statement from a positive point of view, then there are many types of creativity where this material plays a key role. Painting and illustration, origami, quilling, applique, modeling - the list is long. And you can also cut out lacy, airy pictures from paper, as the Japanese Riki Fukuda does.

To work on the next masterpiece, Rika Fukuda needs little: a cutting mat, a set of blades and paper. The master uses special paper, carefully choosing it by density and thickness for each work. Although, in one of the interviews, Fukuda said that she can make beauty even on a sheet taken out of the printer tray - only such work will be less elegant.

Work on each piece begins with an image that the artist's imagination generates. After that, Ricky takes paper and draws a sketch with a pencil. The craftswoman considers this stage of the work even more important than cutting. The fact is that if she makes a mistake in even one line, it can completely disrupt her work. This is especially annoying when the process is coming to an end and you have to start all over again.

Fukuda started cutting out of paper out of boredom, several years ago. She could not have imagined that a seemingly useless hobby would eventually become her life's work and her main source of income. Now the artist sells her works for hundreds of dollars and does custom work. Her paintings are in demand, and Fukuda's website, where she sells them, always has very few items. Creating paper paintings is not Rika's only occupation. She writes poetry and prose, and has already published two books.

Rika Fukuda's creative path is inspiring: a simple hobby grows into a profession, and ordinary paper becomes the basis of real art. Have you ever tried to create something with your own hands from paper? Maybe origami, collage or something of your own? Share your experience and impressions in the comments!