An Artist Uses Amazing Leaf Cutout Art to Manage His ADHD

Fallen leaves are used to create elaborate carvings in the Lito art form. In 2020, the self-taught Japanese artist began practicing this art form to help manage his ADHD. He discovered that twisting fragile falling leaves into surprising shapes helped him focus.

Lito carves a variety of humorous storylines on a microscopic scale with patience and steady hands. He frequently carves animal characters on one half of the leaf and the setting on the other, with the vein of the leaf serving as the “ground.” When the sculpture is held up to the light, Lito is able to render faces on his subjects so that spectators may figure out their expressions.

Despite his great attention to detail, Lito manages to maintain the leaf intact, never breaking it even when the carvings become a single fine line. Furthermore, to add delicacy to the finished piece, he frequently incorporates tiny holes throughout the compositions, such as pawprints in the “grass” or windows in the “buildings.”