Turning Paper into Wildlife Art
Calvin Nicholls, a Canadian artist, is known for his intricate paper sculptures that bring wildlife to life. His career spans over four decades, during which he has transformed the simple medium of paper into breathtaking three-dimensional representations of animals.
I first encountered Calvin Nicolls when I still worked in printing. The paper companies would send out catalogs of their wares, and one of them had a glossy cover featuring his art. I saved every one of these covers.
Calvin Nicolls – Life and Career
Nicholls graduated in 1979 from a graphic design program in Oakville, Ontario. He began his career at an advertising agency before opening his freelance design studio in Toronto in 1981. His journey into paper sculpture began in 1984, inspired by a lifelong interest in art and wildlife. By 1986, he had completed his first presentable paper sculptures, and by 1989, he launched his first series of limited-edition animal sculptures.
Nicholls has worked extensively with commercial clients, private collectors, and institutions worldwide. His work has been exhibited internationally, including a collection of over 75 pieces at Follett Library Resources in McHenry, Illinois. He has also collaborated with major brands like Coca-Cola and Ford. Nicholls continues to live and work in Canada while maintaining a strong presence in the United States.
Art Style
Nicholls specializes in creating low-relief framed paper sculptures, primarily using archival-quality white paper. His preference for monochromatic designs—especially white-on-white—emphasizes texture and form, allowing light and shadow to play a crucial role in defining the details of his creations. His subjects are primarily animals, ranging from birds to lions, with each piece meticulously crafted to replicate fur, feathers, scales, or musculature.
The artist’s ability to capture the essence of wildlife stems from extensive research into the anatomy and behavior of his subjects. He carefully studies musculoskeletal features before beginning each sculpture.
Technique
Nicholls employs a painstaking process to create his sculptures:
- Initial Sketching: Each project begins with detailed pencil drawings that serve as blueprints.
- Layering: Individual layers are traced and cut using scalpels and X-Acto knives.
Nicholls uses 100% cotton archival paper or paper treated with alkaline buffering agents to prevent yellowing and degradation over time. - Assembly: The layers are pieced together with minimal glue to ensure precision.
Thick paper forms the base structure for strength, while thinner sheets are used for detailed elements like feathers or fur. - Framing and Protection: Nicholls frames his sculptures in shadow boxes with museum-quality mats and UV-filtering glazing to protect against light damage and physical impact. The sculptures are securely anchored within the frame
- Lighting: For exhibits, dedicated lighting is used to enhance depth through highlights and shadows.
Depending on the complexity of the subject, a single sculpture can take anywhere from four weeks to two years to complete. Nicholls uses various embossing and scoring techniques to achieve intricate textures, ensuring that every detail—from feathers to fur—is lifelike.
Inspiration
Nicholls draws inspiration from nature’s diversity. His fascination began during graphic design classes in college, where he explored paper’s structural limits through scoring and folding exercises. Wildlife remains central to his work due to its inherent beauty and complexity.
Legacy
Calvin Nicholls has established himself as one of the leading figures in paper sculpture art. His works have earned numerous awards, including recognition from the Society of Animal Artists in New York. Beyond exhibitions, his sculptures are featured in books and private collections globally.
To find out more about the Calvin Nicolls, please visit his website