Akiko Satoh is a Japanese artist who creates cut-paper collage works by cutting paper freehand with scissors. Her work is inspired by quiet moments in everyday life, nature, small sounds, light, and wind.

She creates small worlds using simple shapes and layers of paper, placing the quiet presence she feels in everyday life onto paper as shapes. For Akiko, creating is not just work, but a way of life.

Halcyon Nights print: Feeling Star — Medium: Illustrator / Collage.

“My father traveled a lot for work, and he always brought me small souvenirs. He once gave me a small purse with a mouse face on it, and I kept it until I was almost 40. I used to draw towns on the back of calendars and play pretend shops or princess stories inside the paper. I think that was the beginning of my drawing and storytelling.”

Favourite season? “Early spring and early autumn. I like the light and the feeling of the wind in those seasons.” Favourite sound? “The sound of waves, the whisper of the wind, ambient jazz, the sound of coffee dripping into a cup, piano, and classical guitar.” Favourite object? “Paper with a nice texture, soft pencils, beautifully designed books, and the scent of ginger.”

“Seeing my cut-paper works become part of everyday life. It makes me very happy that people can use them in their daily life.”