Tomoko Shioyasu creates vast, delicate tapestries that evoke patterns from the natural world: blossoms, trees, and other complex, swirling organic forms like cellular formations and flowing water. Shioyasu uses utility knives to cut meticulous designs into sheets of paper, then layers them together, or uses soldering irons to melt holes into special synthetic paper. She also produces detailed drawings using acrylics or charcoal. The porous nature of her designs enables air and light to pass through them, pointing to Buddhist ideas of the harmonious relationship between humanity and the natural world.