Marisa Aragón Ware's Paper Reliefs Capture Nature's Diversity

Marisa Aragón Ware creates meticulously detailed paper reliefs of natural specimens, drawing on her childhood in Colorado's Rocky Mountain forests. Her father, a scientist, introduced her to wildflowers, fungi, and birds. Now based in Boulder, she spends time in the woods for inspiration. Using cutting and scoring, she imitates leaves, bones, feathers, insect wings, and petals. Paper is her medium because of its everyday familiarity; she transforms it into something unexpected. Her work explores biodiversity, ecosystem interdependence, and biophilia—the theory that humans inherently seek connections with nature. She aims to create wonder and encourage protection of nature. Recently, she has incorporated cyanotypes and loosened her approach to regain a beginner's mindset. Her work is included in "Common Waters" at Arch Enemy Arts, opening June 5.