Gah! Part optical illusion, part collage – I think I may have found the perfect art mix! Thomas Allen is a Michigan-based artist that specializes in converting books and old illustrations into quirky/fun/happy cut outs. He’s definitely a new favorite added to my list!

See more of his work after the jump.

Yeah, what did I tell you? He’s so good, no? I kept looking at these images to escape reality for a bit, not in a “heavy trip” kinda way, but rather just staring and letting my mind wander away. I feel sometimes that’s the best thing you can do to relax – and that’s also how most ideas come to be. What about you? Do you brainstorm by drifting away or by doing other things, like say, getting in the shower? Or perhaps by doing some amazing book cut outs like Mr. Allen?

ALL IMAGES: Thomas Allen