If Australian artist Gunjan Aylawadi created painted tiles that look like the intricate pieces below, we’d still be impressed. Their mathematical precision and attention to detail are stunning enough to enchant anyone. But take a closer look, and things get even more impressive.

These aren’t tiles or mosaics.

Each panel of this piece, like all of her other work, is created using hand cut and rolled pieces of paper.

Each area of color is created by rolling up strips of paper, and everything is painstakingly made by hand.

Why go to such lengths? Aylawadi says that her inspiration came when she was trying to think of an unconventional way to use paper, a conventional material in art making.

To create these pieces, Aylawadi begins by cutting paper into thousands of strips. She then winds the strips around thin wires to create a tight twist. The twists are then arranged over hand-drawn patterns to create large tapestries of paper, as Aylawadi calls them.

In some cases, empty space is also used as part of the pattern.

“The technique is physically demanding,” Aylawadi admits, but, she says it’s “meditative and adds a layer of texture and visual interest to the works.” She sees the process as a method of slowing down in a high-speed, fast-paced world. “My aim for myself and everyone else is to perform the difficult act of slowing down, both in making and consuming and really appreciate the beauty in small details,” she says.

(via BoredPanda)

You can see more of Aylawadi’s work on her website. You can also keep up with her latest projects on Behance, Twitter, and Facebook.