Back to News

Illustration School Graduate Celebrated for Paper Sculptures

Marisa Ware, an MFA alumna of the Academy’s School of Illustration, is gaining acclaim for her deeply realized and meticulously executed artworks in paper.

A detailed white paper sculpture depicts a mythical phoenix-serpent creature with outstretched wings, surrounded by floral patterns, within an intricately carved ornamental frame.
“Halcyon Song,” paper sculpture by Maris Ware

Close Observation, Rewarded

An intricate, pierced frame. Mystical floral creepers. A long, reptilian tail. A gleaming white bird with wings spread.

A detailed paper sculpture of a coiled serpent displays intricate scales and textures. It twists around, filling the frame, and is set against a textured, cut-out background.
“Halcyon Song,” detail, paper sculpture by Maris Ware
Intricate white paper sculpture depicting flowers and leaves, with textured patterns and layered elements, creates a detailed and elegant design on a slightly perforated background.
“Halcyon Song,” detail, paper sculpture by Maris Ware
A hand displays a small white paper feather on the palm, with one finger bandaged and stained with red. In the background, intricate paper cutouts are visible.
Detail, paper sculpture by Maris Ware. There are occupational hazards for paper sculptors.
Decorative white paper frame with intricate patterns rests on black background; a craft knife and protractor lie on top, suggesting ongoing artistic work in a design setting.
Tools of the trade and frame

A closer look at this golden-eyed swan reveals that it’s a delicately carved paper sculpture. Titled “Halcyon Song,” the piece is one of three paper sculptures for which Ware was recognized in the 26th volume of Spectrum: The Best in Contemporary Fantastic Art.

A delicate paper sculpture of a ram's skull with intricately detailed horns is surrounded by textured leaves and ferns, set against a smooth, neutral background.
“Metamorphosis,” paper sculpture by Marisa Ware

Another sculptural piece, titled “Metamorphosis,” features an intricately designed ram skull. “Coleoptera” contains three white beetles that appear to be real.

Her audience marvels at the effort and precision that went into creating the works.

“I enjoy paper sculpture for the very hands-on approach it requires,” says Ware. “It’s a tactile medium that allows me to feel like a kid playing with glue and paper. Yet simultaneously it requires a tremendous amount of patience and determination.

“Every new sculpture is like a puzzle I have to solve. It often takes two or three attempts to figure out how to make a new element in a sculpture.”

Evoking ‘Surprise & Curiosity’

Ware got her illustration degree in 2015. She knows that paper sculpture is a lesser-known medium. When people see one of her pieces, they aren’t immediately sure of what they’re seeing. “I often get asked if it is a bone carving or a marble sculpture,” she says. “When I tell people it’s made entirely out of paper, I love watching the look of surprise and curiosity on their faces.”

marisa-ware-moonshadow-paper-sculpture
“Moonshadow,” paper sculpture by Marisa Ware

Ware was a finalist in the 2019 Beautiful Bizarre Magazine Art Prize for a paper sculpture piece titled “Moonshadow,” which featured a bobcat skull resting on foliage against a dark background.

The magazine had previously shared some of her work on its social media page. The attention motivated Ware to apply to the contest. She says she’s receiving positive feedback from her audience on Instagram and her website. “It’s been very encouraging. Honestly, to be listed among all these other artists I have looked up to, and whose work I respect and admire, is a big honor. It was definitely a surprise for me. I am super grateful to be included.”

Sculpting A New Career Path at the Academy

Prior to attending the Academy, Ware had never taken an art class. Her undergraduate degree is in journalism. “This whole endeavor of being a professional artist, or even being an artist at all, is still pretty new to me,” she says. “So, to be gaining some attention and affirmation from the industry is very exciting. I didn’t know about light, or shadow, or color theory or anything. I got so much out of my education, particularly working with these paper sculptures.”

A woman stands smiling beside framed artwork on a gallery wall, including a detailed white sculpture of a dragon. She wears a black dress and a pendant necklace.
Marisa Ware, MFA alumna of Academy of Art University’s School of Illustration

School Director’s Keen Eye Spots Talent, Provides Support

It was School of Illustration Director Chuck Pyle who initially took notice of Marisa Ware‘s work. He suggested she take a Paper Sculpture Class taught by former Academy instructor Jeff Nishinaka.

Pyle says he is a big fan of Ware’s work, and, more importantly, her work ethic. “She has the grinder spirit,” he says. “She will just grind away at something until it’s right and will push through her goal relentlessly until she gets past it, and make it be the best thing and a little better even than that.”

Says Nishinaka, “She was focused and challenged herself to create a very difficult piece. All of her effort went into learning how to make an amazing paper sculpture. I’m very happy and proud of Marisa’s achievements. She deserves the recognition she’s getting for her paper sculptures. They are very fine and intricate and show a high level of craftsmanship.”

Beyond Paper Sculpture: Artisty for Kids

Extending her artistic accomplishments, Ware has also written and illustrated her first children’s book, Where’s Buddha? It’s aimed at younger children.

A cartoon figure sits cross-legged among colorful flowers. Nearby, birds perch on a tree branch, while butterflies and deer add to the serene, idyllic setting under a bright sky.
Cover illustration for Ware’s children’s book, “Where’s Buddha?”
A large whale glides underwater, surrounded by colorful fish, seaweed, and a sea turtle. Nearby, a small green submarine containing a person observes the scene, while dolphins swim in the distance.
Illustration from “Where’s Buddha?”

“It’s a brightly illustrated book that goes all over the world and to lots of different ecosystems and animals,” explains Ware. “It’s not overtly spiritual or religious, but it does have the character of the Buddha, and it shows how the Buddha—which is our own kindness and mindfulness—can be found anywhere and everywhere.”


Original article by Caroline Andrade of Academy Art U News, https://artunews.com/

Photos courtesy of Marisa Ware

Academy of Art University Search Search Search Previous Next Previous Next Next Next Chat Quote Facebook Google Plus Instagram Pinterest Twitter YouTube LinkedIn TikTok WeHeartIt Download App Close