Gorgeous Low Relief Paper Animal Sculptures

Artist Calvin Nicholls creates gorgeous low relief paper sculptures featuring incredibly detailed animals that appear to be reaching out from the frame. Each sculpture is made out of finely cut cotton paper and placed into shadow boxes for an incredible 3D effect. Nicholls started using paper as his primary medium while still in school.

In my graphic design classes in college we studied paper as a medium which I found intriguing. Several years later in 1983 while designing a menu for a client I discovered a paper sculpture artist in Toronto and approached him about collaborating. His work and the art form really appealed to me and I immediately began my experiments with various papers that I had become familiar with through the graphics trade.

Nicholls worked with David Yurman Boutique to create beautiful windows for the 2017 holiday season.

Lori Dorn
Lori Dorn

Lori is a Laughing Squid Contributing Editor based in New York City who has been writing blog posts for over a decade. She also enjoys making jewelry, playing guitar, taking photos and mixing craft cocktails.