About Us

• Leo Monahan is a pioneer of paper sculpture. His works are truly original with each piece being carefully designed and skillfully cut by hand. You could say that as a paper sculptor, Leo draws with his knife and as a paper artist he designs with the talent of an accomplished graphic artist and illustrator. Leo's works are for the most part inspired by his memories of life as young boy at the foot of Mount Rushmore. It was a life peopled with miners, loggers, cowboys, farmers, and the Sioux. One sees in his paper sculpture symbols of elements that surrounded him at that time, especially exotic plants, animals, masks, fishing flies, and wild bird feathers. Leo is unique in portraying these images and evoking feelings with the paper sculpture collage medium. His creations are a blend of Impressionism and Surrealism, and they come together to tell stories. Since moving to Barnardsville, NC, Leo has incorporated even more images from the Western North Carolina natural world into his paper artistry. Forests, fall leaves, and butterflies play prominently in his magnificent designs. Although one should be ready for anything from weathered boats to whimsical carousel animals. Any trip to Asheville, NC would be greatly enhanced by a visit to Leo's studio in his home in Barnardsville. A visitor is certain to leave with a sense of awe, inspiration, and a few good laughs. As Leo says, "if it isn't fun or funny, I am not interested in it!" The recipient of numerous awards, Leo is twice past-President of the Society of Illustrators of Los Angeles, and a recipient of their Life Achievement Award.