A little world made of paper
I make miniature worlds out of paper. I ink up a paper called Yupo paper, cut it into layers and set inside a miniature theater. I play with the lighting, and adjust the elements and then photograph the scenes. I often take several photos to get the one I am looking for.
I discovered working in this way through making tunnel books. They are a Victorian invention that a member of the Movable Book Society introduced me to as a teen. I made dozens, and began making dioramas too with cams, levers and light.
After the birth of my daughter I thought it would be fun to make some again and explained my idea to my husband. He surprised me with a miniature theater for Christmas! It was perfect. I have been making the photographs this way since. I have also made some into permanent pieces. More often I use this technique to illustrate children’s books. I have over a dozen books published now. Some I’ve written and some I am the illustrator for. Here are a few titles: If You Hold A Seed, Butterfly Park, Maya, Red Sky at Night, In the Clouds, Too Early…
To see works in progress, please find me on Instagram: elly.mackay
Thanks! Elly
