February Meeting Record
Our speaker Sean Clarke began by introducing himself as a paper folder who would introduce us to an art which is fun and achievable for all ages. Those of us who had an early opportunity to view the many specimens of his work had already been astonished at the intricacies of the shapes, ranging from the traditional geometric shapes associated with origami to sculptural works of art. Perusing the items on display showed us he was far more than a paper folder – more an artist who used folded paper to achieve stunning results. Some of his works had as many as 25 stages, each containing numerous folds and one required a sheet of paper a metre square.
Sean told us origami originated in the 17C and consists of transferring a flat sheet of paper into a finished sculpture using folding and sculptural techniques without glueing or cutting. It is now an extremely popular modern art form. He himself has been folding for the past 15 years.
There are five traditional bases which are used – basic, fish, frog, bird and water bomb. Origami is not confined to an art form but has scientific applications. The techniques which allow material to unfold to have been used in space telescopes and air bags and without origami the spent would not have been invented. Work is ongoing to fold proteins which may be used to cure diseases
Assuring us that “if you can fold a piece of paper you can do origami” and having given us each three pieces of paper, Sean proceeded to take us through the various steps to make a small box complete with lid. As he moved around the tables giving clear and concise instructions all were completely absorbed and the boxes began to take shape. Everyone successfully completed their box and all were proud of the final result.
The decision was unanimous that Sean should be invited back for a longer workshop session.
Our speaker Sean Clarke began by introducing himself as a paper folder who would introduce us to an art which is fun and achievable for all ages. Those of us who had an early opportunity to view the many specimens of his work had already been astonished at the intricacies of the shapes, ranging from the traditional geometric shapes associated with origami to sculptural works of art. Perusing the items on display showed us he was far more than a paper folder – more an artist who used folded paper to achieve stunning results. Some of his works had as many as 25 stages, each containing numerous folds and one required a sheet of paper a metre square.
Sean told us origami originated in the 17C and consists of transferring a flat sheet of paper into a finished sculpture using folding and sculptural techniques without glueing or cutting. It is now an extremely popular modern art form. He himself has been folding for the past 15 years.
There are five traditional bases which are used – basic, fish, frog, bird and water bomb. Origami is not confined to an art form but has scientific applications. The techniques which allow material to unfold to have been used in space telescopes and air bags and without origami the spent would not have been invented. Work is ongoing to fold proteins which may be used to cure diseases
Assuring us that “if you can fold a piece of paper you can do origami” and having given us each three pieces of paper, Sean proceeded to take us through the various steps to make a small box complete with lid. As he moved around the tables giving clear and concise instructions all were completely absorbed and the boxes began to take shape. Everyone successfully completed their box and all were proud of the final result.
The decision was unanimous that Sean should be invited back for a longer workshop session.