Spark Study Buddy (Challenger): Japanese artist creates intricate leaf art
The story on this page has some tougher vocabulary words and questions to improve your understanding and English grammar.
Japanese artist Lito creates intricate designs on fallen leaves, transforming them into miniature masterpieces. Photo: APContent provided by British Council
[1] Lito is a Japanese artist who creates detailed designs on fallen leaves. His artwork features scenes like a frog holding a taro-leaf umbrella and an ukiyo-e style Mount Fuji with giant waves.
[2] He started this unique art in 2020 and shares his creations on social media almost daily. His leaf art has attracted fans from all over the world. It also provides him with comfort after he faced challenges with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). His art gives him a purpose in life by bringing others happiness. Lito prefers to work at night. He selects a leaf from a pile treated with a chemical to prevent it from wrinkling and places it on a cutting board to begin his work.
[3] First, he outlines the design on the leaf with a pen. Then, he takes a design knife in his left hand and starts carefully cutting the leaf. Slowly, the leaf begins to take the shape of a frog carrying an umbrella. More complex, highly intensive work can take more than eight hours to complete. His leaf-cutting works include titles such as Scrolls of Frolicking Animals, Leaf Aquarium, and Thirty-six Views of Mt. Fuji: The Great Wave off Kanagawa. Each piece includes his own twists and often uses animals.
[4] “I would rather finish it in one go when I am focused,” says the 38-year-old. He chooses not to disclose his real name for personal reasons. Since childhood, Lito said he has had high levels of concentration and patience. But he had trouble fitting into what was considered the norm at school or work, despite all his efforts. He struggled to interpret others’ feelings and avoided confrontation.
[5] After years of difficulty, he went to a hospital at age 30 and was told he had ADHD. He felt the diagnosis explained why he has always done things differently. He saw no point in forcing himself to do things the same way as other people and began to adjust his life. In early 2020, Lito came across the art of leaf cutting. He saw it as the perfect use of his patience and concentration.
[6] Word of his skills has spread across social media, and he has published books on his leaf-cutting work. He holds near-monthly solo exhibitions in various places in Japan. “If I can make people happy by doing what I am doing, I want to do more. That’s my driving force for what’s next,” Lito said.
Source: Associated Press, December 3
Questions
1. Where does Lito get the leaves, according to paragraph 1?
A. He picks them up off the ground.
B. He plucks them off trees.
C. He buys them online.
D. He takes them from rubbish bins.
2. In paragraph 2, Lito usually begins his leaf-cutting work …
A. at dawn.
B. at midday.
C. after dark.
D. before sunset.
3. According to paragraph 4, what has Lito always been able to do?
4. What decision did Lito make after his diagnosis, according to paragraph 5?
5. What do the “skills” in paragraph 6 refer to?
6. Based on paragraphs 2 and 3, list the steps involved in Lito’s leaf-cutting process. (3 marks)
Answers
1. A
2. C
3. maintain high levels of concentration and patience
4. He decided to stop forcing himself to do things the same way as other people and began to adjust his life.
5. Lito’s ability to create delicate designs by carving on leaves (accept all similar answers)
6. First, he treats the leaves with a chemical to prevent them from wrinkling.
Next, he outlines the design on the leaf using a pen.
Finally, he carefully cuts the leaf with a design knife. (accept all similar answers)