Hina Aoyama - Our Founder.

Discover the Journey of Hina Aoyama

How It All Began

In 2000, my journey into paper cutting began unexpectedly in Switzerland. A Japanese friend introduced me to the craft as a fun activity, unaware that the designs were traditional Swiss motifs. I chose a scene of ducks and a deer, traced it onto paper with carbon paper, and carefully cut it out.

Finding My Unique Style

Inspired and eager to create more, I found the tracing process with carbon paper tedious. With my childhood love for drawing manga-style pictures, I began designing my own motifs, starting with a fairy. From then on, I exclusively created original designs for my paper cuttings.

Uncovering the Heritage

For two years, my friend and I remained unaware of Switzerland’s rich paper cutting tradition. A visit to the paper cutting museum in Château-d’Œx changed that. We learned that Swiss artists used both cutters and scissors, though I continued with scissors due to my experience.

Rising to Fame

My intricate lace-like paper cuttings earned me the title "Queen of Paper" in Europe. In 2007, I made history at the 6th International Triennial Paper Art Exhibition in Switzerland, becoming the first Asian and first in the paper cutting category to win the top prize. This recognition brought numerous appearances on Japanese television and widespread acclaim.

Signature Works and Influence

One of my signature pieces is a butterfly with beautifully patterned wings cut into lace-like designs. This piece influenced major fashion and cosmetic industries, sparking a global butterfly trend. Despite being widely copied, my design brought joy and beauty to many.

Another notable work is my text paper cuttings, where I wrote around 30 lines of text on an A4 sheet, connecting the lines with leaves and flowers. This intricate piece consistently won awards at art shows, including the Triennial Paper Art Exhibition.

The Inspiration Behind "The Writings of Voltaire"

Life in France was challenging, but moving to Ferney-Voltaire brought happiness. Invited to exhibit my work, I felt grateful to the town's spirit. Inspired, I created a paper cutting of an excerpt from Voltaire’s "Candide." It sold quickly, moving the buyer to tears with its message of encouragement.

The Healing Power of Art

Many have shared how my paper cuttings, filled with my emotions, resonate with them and offer healing. I've learned that art can touch hearts and provide comfort. Measuring brainwaves while making paper cuttings showed meditation-level readings, even for beginners, highlighting its calming effects.

Continuing the Journey

Despite past challenges, I believe in the power of paper cutting to benefit others. I continue to teach and create pieces that touch hearts, striving to share the healing power of this beautiful art form with the world.