Ali Harrison’s paper art stands out not only for its incredible precision, but more importantly for its unique subject matter. Based in Canada, Harrison has made a small splash both online and offline, thanks to her recreations of human organs, made using an x-acto knife.
Her paper organs include a pair of lungs, a brain, and even a paper intestine! But one piece stands high above the rest. “My most popular paper cutting piece is definitely my anatomical heart,” admitted Harrison in an interview with the Etsy blog. “I think people really connect with that iconic image, and I’ve tried to make it in my own aesthetic with the repeating patterns that I use.”
Aside from her paper organs, Harrison’s brand, Light & Paper, offers a variety of lasercut housewares, that are sometimes made of paper, and sometimes wood.
“I have definitely researched historical paper cutting and looked into other artists that inspire me,” explained Harrison, recounting her work process and sources of inspiration. “I find that I’m inspired by many different types of artwork, and that helps me form unique new ideas,” she notes.
“I also get really inspired by my own maker community,” adds Harrison. “I have a studio in an industrial building in the West End of Toronto that I share with another local maker. We host monthly meetings with other Toronto creatives; that’s been really helpful and inspiring, brainstorming and developing ideas together and keeping each other on track.”
Visit her online store for more or follow her on Instagram.
