An artist has created hundreds of fantasy scenes using just paper cutouts and sunsets

Matthew WilsonMay 18, 2020, 23:06 IST

John Marshall.John Marshall

John Marshall is a writer who creates magical silhouettes with cardboard cutouts held up at sunset.
He has created over 200 pieces ranging from the Taj Mahal to a dragon on a leash.
He hopes that his artwork spreads happiness and positivity during the coronavirus pandemic.
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Sometimes he's a wizard with a wand, and other times he's taking his pet dragon out on a leash — at sunset, John Marshall can be whatever and whomever he wants to be.

Using just a pen, a pair of scissors, and cardboard, Marshall creates silhouettes to create scenes from fantasy lands. He calls the photos Sunset Selfies.

Marshall spoke with Insider about his creations and how he hopes they spread a message of positivity.

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He also hopes others start creating sunset selfies as well.

"After a week of cutting and a dozen pricked fingers, all I could think to do was set the peacock on the bench next to me." John Marshall

Marshall hopes his pictures can bring people happiness during these uncertain times.

Marshall tries to catch a roll of toilet paper. John Marshall

... but since the coronavirus pandemic, Marshall has kept his distance.

Marshall with the virus. John Marshall

Sometimes Marshall will get his father to help him with projects, like this dragon ...

"My friend is afraid to go outside so she asked me to take her dragon for a walk. 'Just don't let her tug,' she said." John Marshall

One of Marshall's favorite silhouettes is of the Taj Mahal.

"If you're gonna make a sand castle, might as well make a good one." John Marshall

The best place to take a photo, Marshall said, is where the sun sets over a body of water.

Marshall at sunset. John Marshall

He usually takes between five to 10 photos, but some silhouettes like this horse take dozens of takes to get perfect.

"Of all the horses in the Cardboard Corral, Shadow luuuuuves to jump." John Marshall

"The sky is always different and it's a little collaboration with nature," he said.

"With so much time at home, I've taken up a new hobby. The only problem is: I can't find enough kittens." John Marshall

Marshall takes most of the photos by himself.

Marshall prepping for one of his photos. John Marshall

Many of Marshall's creations are playful or humorous, like this fiddler crab.

Marshall with a fiddler crab. John Marshall

The cardboard silhouettes allow Marshall to fulfill his childhood dream of being a cartoonist.

Marshall battles a tree stump. John Marshall

Marshall has now made over 200 silhouettes.

Marshall posing with one of his creations. John Marshall

John Marshall is a writer based in Maine and he takes "sunset selfies" as a hobby.

Marshall making a cutout. Greta Rybus

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