Papercraft Research - Light Boxes

Papercraft has been around for centuries, and people have used it for many different purposes. Some people like using papercraft to decorate their homes, and some do it for fun. I have a good memory of making papercrafts with my mother when I was younger. Most of us made paper crafts when we were kids in school or at home, which is one way to spend quality time with our parents and learn to follow instructions. 

One of the papercraft examples caught my interest—the paper-cut lightboxes by Hari & Deepti. These two paper artists want to tell stories by making 3D illusion paper-cut lightboxes. It gives the viewer an illusion due to its many shades and depths of designed cut papers combined to create this unique scene. The LED strip light is the most important part of the art piece; it adds a soul to each lightbox. When the light shines through the back, the cut layers are clearly presented, gleaming the whole scene, which fascinates the viewer.

According to the artist, these paper-cut lightbox stories are inspired by travelling and sometimes with imagination. Each lightbox tells a different story, drawing the viewers into the artist's fantasy world. The lightbox makes people feel like they were brought back to their childhood, still believing in fairytale stories, knowing nothing about the world but being happy and peaceful. This is one of their purpose for creating these artworks so we can skip the busy society and get drawn into the innocent world.

 

Hari & Deepti's paper-cut light boxes craft process is also fascinating. Each lightbox is created in around 8 to 9 days. They begin by planning out the final vision of the art piece, then drawing the idea on stiff watercolour paper. The next step is carefully cut them out and overlap them in the box with different levels. It's a very intricate and delicate process, but the end result is definitely worth it. Their creation and artful design are awe-inspiring and watching this video make me appreciate their papercraft more. 

https://www.thisiscolossal.com/2015/09/hari-and-deepti/

https://wallpaperdata.com/hari-deepti-turn-paper-and-light-into-magical-landscapes/

https://www.thisiscolossal.com/2014/03/illuminated-cut-paper-light-boxes-by-hari-deepti/

https://vimeo.com/66543233?embedded=true&source=vimeo_logo&owner=4219727