Lito Leaf Art
How do you turn something as common as a leaf into a canvas for creative expression? Just ask Lito. Otherwise known by his moniker Lito Leaf Art, the Japanese leaf-cutting artist has captured the hearts of fans from around the world, leading to exhibitions across Japan and published collections of his work. In our latest edition of Cultivating Conversations, uncover the origins of and inspiration behind Lito's passion, the transformative power of social media, and the joyful impact of Lito's creations.
Let us share our smiles with you.
TO BEGIN, COULD YOU GIVE A SHORT INTRODUCTION TO YOURSELF AND YOUR WORK?
I am a leaf–cutting artist.
“I have been using social media as my main field of activity for the past three years, posting my leaf cutouts almost everyday.”
As a result of the attention I have received on social media, I am currently holding exhibitions throughout Japan, publishing books of my works.
HOW DID YOU DISCOVER YOUR PASSION FOR LEAF–CUTTING ART, AND WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO PURSUE THIS UNIQUE FORM OF CREATIVITY?
I was a company employee until I was 30 years old. However, I kept making mistakes at work and was constantly being scolded. I wondered why I couldn't do my job well, so I did some research and went to a hospital, where I was diagnosed with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). My tendency to lose sight of my surroundings when I focus on one thing was a weakness in my corporate career.
“I looked for a job where I could use this weakness as a strength, and what I found was leaf cutouts.”
He was a beautiful butterfly!
YOUR LEAF CUTOUTS ARE INCREDIBLY INTRICATE AND DETAILED. WHAT TECHNIQUES DO YOU USE TO ACHIEVE SUCH PRECISION IN YOUR ARTWORK?
I have never studied art or design.
“The only technique I use to create my leaf cutouts is my own trait of getting too absorbed in detail work.”
CAN YOU SHARE A BIT ABOUT YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS? WHAT ARE SOME OF THE KEY INSPIRATIONS THAT HAVE SHAPED YOUR LEAFE ART STYLE?
I get my ideas from memories of going out with my family, playing with friends when I was a child, and from what I saw and heard in my daily life. Sometimes I get an idea from a meal with my family or a scene I saw on TV that day.
“Ever since I was a child, I have loved the animations of Hayao Miyazaki.”
I have a fascination with the world of his works, where there is "another world" as a continuation of the ground of the world I live in. This may have influenced my style of leaf cutouts.
I can’t wait for the day when you blossom.
YOUR LEAF ART OFTEN FEATURES CUTE AND PLAYFUL CHARACTERS. IS THERE A PARTICULAR REASON WHY YOU LEAN TOWARDS THIS THEME IN YOUR CREATIONS?
In the early days, my artwork was based on my favorite video game and anime characters, as well as unusual creatures such as endangered species. However, this did not get a positive response on social media, and as I searched for a theme,
“I shifted to creating expressions with cute characters that would please many people.”
HOW DO YOU FEEL SOCIAL MEDIA HAS IMPACTED YOUR ARTISTIC JOURNEY, AND ITS INFLUENCE ON ARTISTS LIKE YOURSELF?
Through social media, I have received offers of work from many companies and an offer from a publisher to publish collections of my work.
“Without social media, I would not have been able to make my artwork my job, and I would not be where I am today.”
The messages I receive from many people through social media inspire me to create my artwork.
Come on, the apple pie is baked!
YOUR LEAF ART SEEMS TO RESONATE WITH A WIDE AUDIENCE, EVOKING FEELINGS OF JOY AND WONDER. WHAT DO YOU HOPE PEOPLE TAKE AWAY FROM YOUR ARTWORK?
Through social media, I often receive comments like, "When I look at your work before I go to bed, it soothes me even when I am tired," or "When I wake up in the morning and look at your work, I feel energized and ready to start my day.”
“I am happy that my work has become a part of many people's lives, and I hope it continues to be so.”
HAVE YOU FACED ANY UNEXPECTED OR SURPRISING REACTIONS TO YOUR LEAF–CUTTING ART? IF SO, HOW HAVE THESE REACTIONS INFLUENCED YOUR ARTISTIC DIRECTION?
I am currently exhibiting my work in many places throughout Japan. Every time I go there, I am very surprised to find that there are many people in places I have never been before who know me and have been waiting to see my work.
“By meeting them in person, and not just through social media, I am able to create my works while keeping in mind the faces of people of all ages, both men and women, and from all walks of life.”
DO YOU HAVE ANY OTHER CREATIVE INTERESTS OR ARTISTIC PROJECTS THAT YOU’RE CURRENTLY EXPLORING?
Right now, I'm into projects with leaf cutouts.
“Recently, I published my first picture book “A Great Imitator Chameleon” featuring a popular leaf cutout character, Chameleon.”
Please get sweet and delicious apples – from Mom.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO ASPIRING ARTISTS WHO ARE LOOKING TO FIND THEIR UNIQUE ARTISTIC VOICE AND SHARE THEIR WORK ON SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS?
The most important thing is to create works for someone else, not just for yourself. In social media, people might not be interested in a work that you are making just for yourself.
“I think it’s important to create work that moves someone — whether it makes them laugh, or moves them emotionally in some other way.”
WHAT’S NEXT FOR YOU?
I would like to hold exhibitions of my work not only in Japan but also around the world, so that more people can see my work in person rather than just online.
I want to see what’s high up in the sky too!