Spanish Moon Moth

I was motivated to create this layered paper cut design after a dear friend showed me a photo of a Spanish Moon Moth. I was struck by the moth’s beautiful colouring and wing pattern, which happened to coincide with my design style. The moth’s strong Art Nouveau appearance could not be ignored! 

The Spanish Moon Moth is huge therefore the wings were extended out over the circle to emphasise its size but this also provided room to make them and to show off their amazing shape and design. Incorporating a moon phase decorative pattern immediately connects to the moth and presented me with a pattern making opportunity, frames the moth and balances out the moth’s strong, more angular shape.

Layers of gold pearlescent card and smooth surfaced papers have been used to create and build up this relief design. Working with card has allowed the wings to be slightly bent to create a more dynamic look to the artwork. Delicate pearlescent water colours have also been applied on the wings to add a subtle texture and sheen. 

Black ink has been used on gold card, on the moon phase element, to create a more antique, toned-down quality and to compliment the brighter gold under the moth. Selected sections of the design have been built up in elevated layers, using model making techniques, to emphasise the various parts of the design and play with the idea of movement, light and shadow.

Limited editions of 5

Handmade relief paper cut art mounted onto acid-free 500gsm mounts

12" x 12" x 1" (30 x 30 x 3 cm) gallery quality black / white wooden frame from sustainably sourced UK forests 

UV-protective glass with hard-board backs, professional hanging system and authenticity labelling

Professionally packaged in sturdy recycled cardboard boxes 15" x 15" x 2" (38 x 38 x 5 cm)

UK Shipping 5 - 7 days / International Shipping 10 - 14 days