The Japanese artist known as Lito has transformed the delicate canvas of leaves into a stage for intricate storytelling. With a precision that mirrors the fine lines of nature itself, Lito’s hand-carved creations are a testament to the artist’s patience and attention to detail. Each leaf is carefully selected and then brought to life with scenes that range from whimsical narratives to serene landscapes. The process is a meditative practice for Lito, who has ADHD, and finds the focus required for each piece a way to calm the mind.
The ephemeral nature of the leaves adds a poignant reminder of the transience of art and life, with each piece capturing a moment of beauty that, like the leaf itself, will eventually fade. Lito shares these fleeting masterpieces with the world, holding them up to the light and photographing them, allowing the sun to play a part in illuminating the stories etched into the leaves.