by Carla Caruso

The ABC show, Tiny Oz, recently brought attention to the extraordinary work of artists working in miniature.

But what about such teeny-tiny pieces being created entirely out of paper?

City resident Nikki Panganiban Deschamp is a paper artist, who works in miniature. Better yet, he’s been inspired by your Adelaide Park Lands in his work — mostly recently crafting a mini Adelaide Himeji Garden out of paper (with a few added ‘fantasy’ elements thrown in).

We spoke to Nikki about his inspiration.

*Nikki’s artistic interpretation of the Adelaide Himeji Garden in miniature.*

Hi, Nikki. What compelled you to create a miniature artwork of the Adelaide Himeji Garden in Peppermint Park / Wita Wirra (Park 18)?

I have always loved Japanese gardens and the Adelaide Himeji Garden has quickly become my favourite one.

I love the solitude, the slowness, the feeling of simplicity. I made a miniature of the Adelaide Himeji Garden specifically as I wanted to challenge myself to make a miniature version of a Park Land.

Of all the areas, this one resonated with me the most – aside from Victoria Park [Pakapakanthi / Park 16], of which I’ve also made three on-edge quilling artworks!

*Real-life features of the Himeji Garden, captured by Chris Colhoun.*

How long did the piece take to make? And can you tell us a bit about your creative process?

I’m an artist who doesn’t really plan ahead and visualise how a project will look … [But I wanted] to limit the artwork to a three-inch [or 8cm] square in size.

After a few visits to the garden, trying to contemplate what would be the best way to make it, I decided to just do a portion of the garden.

I gave up on the idea of making it look more realistic and just followed my gut. I wanted to mix different paper techniques – on-edge quilling, papercut, and paper craft – blending them seamlessly, of course. (I like to call my work ‘paper art’ as I don’t want to limit myself to one particular paper technique.)

I also added a bit of gouache paint to add a contrast with the water in the lake and gloss glue for shine. Overall, the artwork took me about 40 hours to complete.

*Another close-up of Nikki’s Himeji Garden paper artwork. Photo: Nikki Panganiban Deschamp.*

Why did you decide to include features you wish were in the garden, but aren’t, like a red bridge and cherry blossoms?

I still wanted to make it look like the Adelaide Himeji Garden … [but I also] asked myself, aside from the lake, lantern, pine trees, teahouse, sea of sand, and deer-scarer [fountain], what else would I want to see in my own version of the garden?

Three things popped up straightaway: koi fish, cherry blossoms, and a red bridge. Thus, I added those elements, and I think they blend perfectly.

*Adelaide Himeji Garden today. Photo: Ingrid Kellenbach.*

Have you entered the Adelaide Park Lands Art Prize before?

I have. It was the first outside artwork competition I have ever entered. I submitted two entries this year, Victoria Park Wetland and Birdwatching [in Carriageway Park / Tuthangga, Park 17].

I was initially upset when I received the email that my works hadn’t been chosen as finalists. But then, there were so many entries… [And if my work had been chosen] I wouldn’t have moved on, trying different styles – aside from on-edge quilling – and challenging myself to do different themes and styles.

*Nikki entered this paper artwork, depicting Victoria Park / Pakapakanthi (Park 16), in the Adelaide Park Lands Art Prize competition this year.*

Is paper art becoming more popular as a medium?

Social media has made it more accessible for people to share paper art and inspire others. I’m heavily inspired by Mylyn Nguyen, a Sydney-based artist.

She’s the whole reason why I jumped into miniature art. She also has the love and passion for paper, as I do.

What do you fit your art practice around?

Funny you ask that as I don’t [do it well]! I just make art every chance I get. I do it first thing in the morning, after work, on my days off…

Sometimes I procrastinate doing household chores and just make art all day or night, and even while my husband and I go to the pub LOL.

Where can people find your pieces?

Most of my works are displayed in my art room! I have made commissions, sold pieces, and even given them as gifts to friends.

I post about my journey as an artist on Instagram at Nikkipaperart. I hope to inspire more people to use paper as a medium and to be inspired in return.

As an artist, everything I do is self-taught. I’ve never attended a formal course, aside from [short] courses offered through [online creative community] Domestika.

Most paper artists just try to experiment on their own, with inspiration taken from other forms of art.

*More paper art, showcasing Victoria Park / Pakapakanthi (Park 16), by Nikki Panganiban Deschamp.*

How long have you been creating paper art?

I first fell in love with paper, when I was a kid, with origami. [After that] I just casually did origami or other paper craft, with no interest in taking it seriously.

[But] four years ago, I saw [UK-based] Yulia Brodskaya’s quilling artworks and I was blown away. Who would think that her art was made out of paper strips?

So, I decided then to start my journey in on-edge quilling. [The technique involves sticking paper strips on their edges to create decorative designs.]

As I’ve got more confident in my skills, I’ve added and experimented with different paper styles until I’ve ended up where I am right now…

Paper art is my form of meditation and I’m really happy that I’ve found my medium and I don’t think I’ll ever stop making paper art.

Is your passion for paper art linked to your heritage at all?

I’m not sure. I’m from the Philippines, so we’re known to be resourceful! Most projects at school involved lots of paper, such as newspapers, Christmas decorations, and cut-up Valentine’s cards.

I guess paper is cheap and very accessible, which is what made me fall in love with the art even more.