I know I have posted about paper cut art and illustration before, but this kind of work always blows me away. Especially when it is executed as well as it is by Australian artist Lisa Rodden.

Rodden creates these simple yet detailed works by cutting, layering, painting and folding paper to create some really amazing visuals that morph and change as you move around them. The shadow and color that peak through the cuts in the surface create an intriguing feeling where the images almost feel alive. This is really wonderful stuff. Rodden’s work is represented by Koskela in Sydney, so if you are down under I suggest you stop in and check this work out.

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“There is a grace and beauty in fish that you cannot find in anything else. The slow, fluid motion as they glide through the water, fins and tail rippling softly as they go. They’re hypnotic, even healing, to watch. In Japanese (and Chinese) culture, the Koi represents courage, strength and perseverance, among other things. There is a tale about the brave Koi that swims upstream against the strong currents enduring many hardships and overcoming many obstacles. Finally it reaches the waterfall and as it jumps through it transforms into a magnificent dragon symbolising advancement and aspiration.

This work offers hope through strength. It is a reminder that with perseverance and patience we are able to work through the hardships in life to emerge stronger, wiser and better for it. It is also a work in peace and flow allowing the mind to wander and to daydream which should be given as much priority as food but is usually dismissed.”