Something new: paper chase

It was a dimly recollected school project that led London-based Russian illustrator Yulia Brodskaya to develop the technique she has fast been gathering renown for in the art world.

Having long used paper as a tool, whether in collages, origami or Chinese paper cuts, some five years ago Brodskaya remembered about "quilling" - essentially a three-dimensional technique that involves standing paper strips on edge.

Since then, Brodskaya - whose first solo exhibition is on show in Harbour City, Tsim Sha Tsui - has taken the craft to a whole new level.

"I just love paper as a material, it is so versatile and exciting - the possibilities are endless," she says. "However, quilling turned out to be 'the one' for me."

After using the technique for the cover image on a brochure of her work, exposure online led to commissions for other magazine covers and from commercial brands.