Today, we’re delighted to introduce you to Calvin Nicholls, a man who transforms simple sheets of paper into something extraordinary. Using archival paper, scalpels, and embossing tools, and drawing inspiration from wildlife, the Canadian artist sculpts detailed, lifelike 3D pieces that look as if they could move.

We’ve selected a wide range of Nicholls’ creations, where a little help from light and shadow brings each one to life, turning fragile paper into a vivid celebration of nature.

Without further ado, scroll down to explore this collection of impressive, meticulously crafted works, and let us know in the comments which one you loved most.

More info: Instagram | calvinnicholls.com | Facebook | behance.net

Image credits: calvinnicholls

This post may include affiliate links.

#1

Intricately detailed wildlife sculpture of a porcupine crafted from layered paper by talented artist.

calvinnicholls Report

Final score:
28points
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thereader19 avatar
TheReader19
TheReader19
Community Member
3 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What a wonderful eye for detail

2
2points
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    #2

    Paper wildlife sculpture of a bird perched on a branch with pine cones, showcasing stunningly realistic details.

    calvinnicholls Report

    Final score:
    25points
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    #3

    Paper sculpture of a bird showcasing detailed, realistic wildlife feathers and textures in stunning white layers.

    calvinnicholls Report

    Final score:
    25points
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    emilu avatar
    Emilu
    Emilu
    Community Member
    3 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I really did think this was real for a bit and got confused. It looks so fluffy, just like my ladies (and gent)!

    4
    4points
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    #4

    Paper sculpture featuring realistically detailed owls in a framed wildlife art piece made from simple paper.

    calvinnicholls Report

    Final score:
    24points
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    thereader19 avatar
    TheReader19
    TheReader19
    Community Member
    3 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Unbelievable skill, the time and effort which he must have to dedicate to this art is mind blowing.

    1
    1point
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    #5

    Paper sculpture of realistic wildlife featuring a detailed bird and chick crafted with layered paper feathers.

    calvinnicholls Report

    Final score:
    24points
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    #6

    Paper artist creating stunningly realistic wildlife sculptures, featuring a detailed pig crafted from simple white paper.

    calvinnicholls Report

    Final score:
    23points
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    #7

    Two stunningly realistic giraffe wildlife sculptures made from simple paper, showcasing intricate details of fur and eyes.

    calvinnicholls Report

    Final score:
    23points
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    #8

    Stunningly realistic wildlife sculptures of a tiger and antelope created from simple white paper by an artist.

    calvinnicholls Report

    Final score:
    23points
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    #9

    Paper wildlife sculpture of an owl flying through a window, showcasing stunningly realistic details and intricate paper art.

    calvinnicholls Report

    Final score:
    23points
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    #10

    Realistic wildlife sculpture of a fennec fox made from simple paper, showcasing intricate texture and lifelike details.

    calvinnicholls Report

    Final score:
    22points
    POST
    hollyherr_1 avatar
    Holly Herr
    Holly Herr
    Community Member
    3 months ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Seriously realistic. First thought was, why is fox white?, cos I thought it was REAL!

    2
    2points
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    #11

    Detailed wildlife sculptures made from simple paper, showcasing intricate textures and realistic bird designs in an art studio setting.

    calvinnicholls Report

    Final score:
    21points
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    #12

    Detailed white paper wildlife sculpture of an owl in flight displayed in a wooden frame and during the crafting process.

    calvinnicholls Report

    Final score:
    20points
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    #13

    Paper wildlife sculpture of a frog with detailed leaves, showcasing realistic texture and depth in a framed artwork.

    calvinnicholls Report

    Final score:
    20points
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    #14

    Realistic wildlife paper sculpture of a bird with intricate feather details mounted on a dark background in a frame.

    calvinnicholls Report

    Final score:
    20points
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    thereader19 avatar
    TheReader19
    TheReader19
    Community Member
    3 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The tail feathers are everything.

    1
    1point
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    #15

    Realistic wildlife sculpture of a black and white dog holding a bone, crafted from simple paper in a dark frame.

    calvinnicholls Report

    Final score:
    20points
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    #16

    Paper artist creates stunningly realistic wildlife sculptures of ducks in a detailed natural setting with textured paper layers.

    calvinnicholls Report

    Final score:
    20points
    POST
    thereader19 avatar
    TheReader19
    TheReader19
    Community Member
    3 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The dedication to detail is mind blowing.

    1
    1point
    reply
    #17

    Realistic wildlife sculpture of a bird created from simple paper showcasing stunning detail and lifelike texture.

    calvinnicholls Report

    Final score:
    20points
    POST
    thereader19 avatar
    TheReader19
    TheReader19
    Community Member
    3 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Honestly, he's just so skilled.

    1
    1point
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    #18

    Paper wildlife sculpture of a wolf's head with intricate fur details, showcasing realistic texture and lifelike expression.

    calvinnicholls Report

    Final score:
    19points
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    #19

    Paper wildlife sculpture of a wolf, showcasing stunningly realistic details and lifelike fur texture in a framed display.

    calvinnicholls Report

    Final score:
    18points
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    #20

    Paper sculpture of a detailed, realistic bird created by an artist using simple paper in wildlife art form.

    calvinnicholls Report

    Final score:
    18points
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    #21

    Highly detailed realistic wildlife sculpture of a wolf made from simple paper showcasing intricate texture and depth.

    calvinnicholls Report

    Final score:
    18points
    POST
    c_devine avatar
    Seedy Vine
    Seedy Vine
    Community Member
    3 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Even the emotions are captured!

    3
    3points
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    #22

    Artist working on a stunningly realistic wildlife sculpture of a resting bear made from simple paper against a dark background.

    calvinnicholls Report

    Final score:
    17points
    POST
    thereader19 avatar
    TheReader19
    TheReader19
    Community Member
    3 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wow, that both huge; and magnificent.

    1
    1point
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    #23

    Paper artist creating stunningly realistic horse wildlife sculptures with intricate details and lifelike movement.

    calvinnicholls Report

    Final score:
    17points
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    #24

    Paper wildlife sculpture of a small bird with detailed feathers, framed in a dark wooden frame against a neutral background.

    calvinnicholls Report

    Final score:
    17points
    POST
    #25

    Paper wildlife sculpture of a bird appearing to emerge from the frame, showcasing stunningly realistic detail and texture.

    calvinnicholls Report

    Final score:
    17points
    POST
    #26

    Realistic wildlife paper sculpture of a bird perched on a wooden structure, showcasing detailed feather and texture work.

    calvinnicholls Report

    Final score:
    17points
    POST
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    #27

    Realistic wildlife sculpture of a dog holding a ball, crafted from simple paper with intricate detail and texture.

    calvinnicholls Report

    Final score:
    17points
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    #28

    Black paper wildlife sculpture of a gorilla with detailed fur and lifelike expression by an artist specializing in realistic wildlife sculptures.

    calvinnicholls Report

    Final score:
    17points
    POST
    #29

    Paper sculpture of a realistic bird perched on a branch, showcasing stunningly detailed wildlife art from simple paper.

    calvinnicholls Report

    Final score:
    17points
    POST
    #30

    Realistic wildlife sculpture of a detailed bird in flight made from intricately crafted simple white paper layers.

    calvinnicholls Report

    Final score:
    17points
    POST
    karenlhoth avatar
    Kat Hoth
    Kat Hoth
    Community Member
    3 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This artist has mad skills.

    0
    0points
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    #31

    Paper sculpture of a realistic eagle in flight showcasing stunning wildlife art made from simple paper by talented artist.

    calvinnicholls Report

    Final score:
    16points
    POST
    #32

    Realistic wildlife sculpture of a panda eating bamboo, intricately crafted from simple paper by an artist.

    calvinnicholls Report

    Final score:
    16points
    POST
    #33

    Paper wildlife sculpture of a bird with detailed feathers displayed in a black frame and crafted on a cutting mat.

    calvinnicholls Report

    Final score:
    15points
    POST
    #34

    Intricately detailed paper sculpture of realistic wildlife featuring two large birds with outstretched wings in a white frame.

    calvinnicholls Report

    Final score:
    15points
    POST
    #35

    Paper wildlife sculpture of a lion with detailed mane and facial features showcasing realistic wildlife art craftsmanship.

    calvinnicholls Report

    Final score:
    14points
    POST
    #36

    Realistic wildlife sculpture of an eagle with outstretched wings made from simple paper artwork in a frame.

    calvinnicholls Report

    Final score:
    14points
    POST
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    #37

    Realistic wildlife sculpture of a fish leaping from water, made from layered and textured simple paper artwork in a black frame.

    calvinnicholls Report

    Final score:
    14points
    POST
    #38

    Realistic wildlife paper sculpture of a bird emerging from a curled paper in a framed display, showcasing detailed texture and form.

    calvinnicholls Report

    Final score:
    14points
    POST
    #39

    Artist holding a framed, stunningly realistic wildlife sculpture made from simple white paper, featuring dolphins leaping from waves.

    calvinnicholls Report

    Final score:
    13points
    POST
    thereader19 avatar
    TheReader19
    TheReader19
    Community Member
    3 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wow, there's just so much detail in this piece.

    2
    2points
    reply
    #40

    Paper wildlife sculpture of an owl perched on a branch, showcasing stunningly realistic details and intricate craftsmanship.

    calvinnicholls Report

    Final score:
    13points
    POST
    #41

    Realistic wildlife sculpture of a panda made from simple paper, displayed in a wooden frame against a dark background.

    calvinnicholls Report

    Final score:
    13points
    POST
    #42

    Paper wildlife sculpture of a bird perched on a branch, showcasing stunningly realistic details in a framed display.

    calvinnicholls Report

    Final score:
    12points
    POST
    #43

    White paper sculpture resembling a detailed realistic flower, showcasing stunning wildlife art crafted from simple paper layers.

    calvinnicholls Report

    Final score:
    12points
    POST
    #44

    Framed wildlife sculpture of a bird taking flight created from layered paper with a forest and water background.

    calvinnicholls Report

    Final score:
    12points
    POST
    #45

    Realistic wildlife sculpture of a mountain goat made from intricately layered white paper by a talented artist.

    calvinnicholls Report

    Final score:
    11points
    POST
    thereader19 avatar
    TheReader19
    TheReader19
    Community Member
    3 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This one should be higher, the skill set is crazy good.

    3
    3points
    reply
    #46

    Intricately crafted wildlife sculpture made from simple paper, showcasing stunningly realistic details and artistic skill.

    calvinnicholls Report

    Final score:
    11points
    POST
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #47

    Intricately detailed wildlife sculpture of a bird carved from simple white paper, showcasing realistic feather textures.

    calvinnicholls Report

    Final score:
    11points
    POST
    #48

    White paper sculpture of wildlife animals arranged in a circular pattern displayed on a round white frame against dark background.

    calvinnicholls Report

    Final score:
    11points
    POST
    #49

    White paper sculpture resembling a layered flower, showcasing the artist's skill in creating realistic wildlife sculptures from simple paper.

    calvinnicholls Report

    Final score:
    9points
    POST
    mircea_maftei_1 avatar
    Mircea Maftei
    Mircea Maftei
    Community Member
    3 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    They are all extraordinary, but if they were colored properly, they would be downright fantastic!

    0
    0points
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