In 2006, I needed to produce some artwork
for an exhibition that I held with my friends. 
So I began creating paper cut-outs.

I did not go to classes to learn the technique but rather learned through a
process of trial and error. 
Via that process, I found the motivation to improve. 
As I tried to create better designs, 
I got hooked on paper cut-outs.
I am an illustrator who'd always 
use a computer to draw digitally.
However, cutting paper with knife is totally an analog process. 
Therefore, if I make a mistake I have to start over. 
What make things especially difficult is 
that I can only see the shading 
and shadows that come from the thickness of the paper sheets 
and the balance of the design when I have finished. 
Knowing this, I always feel uneasy. 
However, this sensation is addictive.
In 2007, I held my first exhibition. 
I really enjoyed making cut-outs for the show. 
That experience even now continues to motivate me. 
My design ideas come from 
what has inspired me during the year. 
For example, in the beginning, 
I designed many cut-outs of animals and women, 
but these days I often design cut-outs of trees.
I think of how I can show the energy that the trees exude.

Kirie is the Japanese art of paper-cutting.
I cut out the design from a piece of paper 
using a design knife. 
And then, I glue the paper cut-out to a mat board. 
The mat board can be either white or painted paper. 
Sometimes I don't use any mat board,
so I can show the design transparently. 
(see also gallery)

When I make a sketch, I try my best to make sure that the
lines are smooth and a natural fit to the design.

I always create a design thinking that
the design should have
a similar impact to an artist's portrait. 
It may sound weird, but my goal is 
to make paper cut-outs 
which don't look like paper cut-outs.