Aki's Bio

Aki Sogabe was in middle school when she imitated a paper cutting illustration using origami paper, and ever since she has loved to practice the ancient art form of Japanese paper cutting.

Sogabe started to introduce this art form to the Northwest in 1978 and now her works are included in the collection of the State of Washington and the State of Oregon Public Art, Fort Lewis Army Reservation in Washington and many others. Her works are displayed at more than 30 public schools from elementary through college in Washington State.

Her public art is installed in the Pike Place Market, Seattle Center, Nikkei Manor and Uwajimaya Village in Seattle.

She is also known as a children’s book illustrator. She received The Golden Kite Honor Book Award in Illustration for “The Loyal Cat.” Her original illustrations were selected to the NY Public Library 100 Books for Reading & Sharing and The Society of Illustrators, “The Original Show” in New York.

She lives in Bellevue, Washington with her husband, Bill.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do you make your paper-cuts?
A: First, I gather reference photos and sketches to draw out a design. This design is then transferred to another piece of paper—the paper I’m going to cut out. My next step involves cutting out the design with a X-Acto knife. Once the design is completely cut out, I’ll add color by gluing the design over other colored paper.

Q: How long does it take to make?
A: Anywhere from 2 to 10 days. It really depends on the design and size of the piece.

Q: When did you start paper-cutting?
A: In middle school I saw a Chinese paper-cutting from a newspaper. This black and white paper-cut really inspired me. I took some origami paper and copied the design from the newspaper to create my very first paper-cut. This is the very beginning of my life-long journey into kirie.

Q: Where did you learn how to paper-cut?
A: Everything is self-taught.

Q: Where are your works displayed?
A: My work is displayed at different galleries in the Pacific Northwest. Check the Events Schedule for the latest locations.

A lot of my pieces are also displayed at public schools. Students from grade school to the college get an opportunity to check out paper-cutting.

There are public locations where my art is displayed. My work is installed in the Pike Place Market, The Seattle Center, Nikkei Manor and Uwajimaya Village in Seattle.

Q: How long have you been doing this?
A: I've been paper-cutting since my middle school years, but I seriously started paper-cutting when I moved to Washington State in 1978 from Singapore. I dabbled in a variety of arts and crafts in Singapore and Japan, but really focused on kirie when I moved to Bellevue.