Territories of Practice: Pattern as Expression : Pattern, Layering and Folding.

'Beginning with an initial fold, a single action causes a transfer of energy to subsequent folds' - Matthew Shlian

In the first session we explored the various ways in which paper, a simple material, can be manipulated by cutting and folding and be transformed into an expressive surface. I find it interesting that if one affects the surface of a single sheet of paper, whether it be by cutting or folding, the capabilities of the material increase significantly. By folding or cutting in a certain way the sheet of paper can even be a self supporting form. Bearing this in mind I then created 4 self supporting structures from a single sheet of paper, the instructions were clear no glue only folds or incisions but the structure must be self supporting.

For my first structure I made multiple cuts along the paper and attempted to join the two ends in a loop using interlocking flaps.

For my second I used a concertina fold but also manipulated the paper into a curl.

Again i used a concertina fold but I also folded the paper down in order to make a stand.

This is perhaps the strongest structure as the thickness of the paper is doubled by lots of folding.

The groups' paper structures.

Having been split into groups of 3 we were then given the task of folding patterns in order to render the surface of the paper 3D. The patterns varied in difficulty I chose the advanced one which happened to be quite tricky.

The task was then in our groups bring together our three folded design and wrap a wine glass without using glue. This created almost architectural sculptures and each groups' sculptures varied despite everyone using the same three patterns.

Judging the structures.

Paper Folding Artists

Richard Sweeney - Sculptor Richard Sweeney created precise structures using advanced folding techniques. His works combine hand craft and computer aided design resulting in very unique and crisp outcomes. Although he uses simple materials I find Sweeney's sculpture highly complex and beautiful.

Matthew Shlian - As a Paper Engineer Shlian applies his works to various different sectors such a inventing and researching. His structures are both simple and complex creating raised up surfaces which are often self supporting. One can see both of the pieces below are simple made up of folded triangles in different patterns and sequences making their appearance very different.

Lisa Rodden - Paper artist Lisa Rodden uses simple cuts and folds combined with colour to create interesting 3 Dimensional surfaces. It is the simplicity of her work that makes it beautiful, it's not overdone; a clean white sheet with bright colours showing through.

Elod Beregszasz - Paper artist Elod Beregszasz takes his inspiration from shop front and high rise buildings. He uses sequences of cutting and folding in different directions in order to create his structures.

Alexandra Verschueren - Fashion designer Verschueren shows how these folding and cutting techniques can be used on fabrics, making them appear rigid with multiple dimensions.