top of page

OUTNUMBERED | PAPER INSECT STUDIES

Detailed, life-sized paper sculptures inspired by the remarkable insects that inhabit the natural world.

Insects are often overlooked or avoided, despite their extraordinary diversity, intricate structures and essential role within the ecosystems around us. I find them fascinating both visually and scientifically, with an incredible range of forms, colours and behaviours shaped by complex natural processes. Displayed individually, in collections or as part of larger installations, these paper insects explore ideas of discovery, attention and connection. They encourage us to slow down and notice the remarkable life that exists alongside us.

​

It is estimated that for every person on Earth there are around 1.4 billion insects, yet many species are now in decline, with more becoming endangered each year. Although they are often misunderstood, each species plays a vital role within its ecosystem and, in turn, our own.

​

Through close observation, I create detailed, life-sized paper sculptures that invite us to look again at the small creatures we might otherwise pass by. This ongoing process of discovery and research has led me to document and interpret a wide range of species, exploring their form, markings and behaviour in sculptural detail. I have created over 200 different species so far, and the work has been exhibited in a number of galleries in the UK, Europe and the USA.

Opposite: Details of the Outnumbered Collection | Recycled Paper, Wire and Thread | 60cm x 60cm | 2018.

a close up of some paper insects made from recycled papers like book pages and magazines.
a large gallery room with large abstract paper sculptures on the walls and hanging from the ceiling and a long plinth with a collection of paper insects under a glass display case.
a close up of the long plinth with the paper insects displayed under glass. you can see many of the different insects and the details of text and patterns on their backs.

Details of the Outnumbered Collection on display in 'Papier Perfromt' at Handwerk Galerie, Munich | Recycled Paper, Wire and Thread | 2026. Photographs: Eva Jünger.

a collection of twenty one different insect in a box frame, all made from recycled paper.
a circle of blue paper butterflies. There are six in total and are all the same size, mounted in a pale wood box frame

Entomology Study I | Recycled Paper, Wire and Thread | 50cm x 50cm | 2024.

Blue Morpho | Recycled Paper, Wire and Thread | 40cm x 40cm | 2021.

details of a collection of paper insects including an atlas beetle, a yellow leaf insect, a swallowtail butterfly and other smaller beetles
a close up of a yellow stick insect with its wings spread and a hurcules beetle, both made from recycled paper. You can see the text and illustrations from the original book pages they were made of.
a close up of a very small beetle with a long horn. It is brown and made from an old map and you can see all the small numbers and place names across the beetles shell.

Details of the Outnumbered Collection | Recycled Paper, Wire and Thread | 2025.

a life size atlas moth which has been made from paper and hand embroidered. It sits on a white background.
a close up of the paper atlas moths face. You can see all the small stitches, its antenna and front legs and some of its paper embroidered wings.

Atlas Moth | Recycled Paper, Wire and Thread | 25cm x 25cm | 2019.

CONTINUE EXPLORING:

a collection of 5 paper leaves on a white desk with a cutting mat, scalpel and paints. three of the leaves have been painted while two of them are half finished.

Find out more about the ideas, materials and observations that shape my practice.

a close up of a sea holly with two flower heads and lots of leaves. You can see it is made from old botanical book pages. you can see the print on the leaves.

Explore bespoke sculptures and collections created around meaningful species, stories and places.

a sketchbook open on a table with a pencil resting on it. It has an illustration of two pinecones on one page. There is also a mug, some paper and pens scattered across the table and some dried seed heads.

Discover the species, research and studio stories behind the work.

bottom of page