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Coursework Part Three: Making

Exercise 4:​ Small

Option 3: ​Paper Folding

Brief

For this exercise, you will develop a set of characters in 3D form using paper folding. You could use traditional origami techniques to develop your characters, or you could investigate more contemporary paper toys using your own designs, or you could make up your own form of origami!

Once you have made your characters, record and reflect on your results in your learning log, what did you find most challenging? Is this a technique that you have worked with before? Would you attempt this again and if so would you change your approach?

104 Visual Skills 2: Visual Exploration

Keywords from the brief

Develop a set of characters in 3D form using paper folding

You could use :

  • Traditional origami techniques
  • Contemporary paper using your own designs,
  • Make up your own form of origami!

Originally, when reading this exercise, I imagined I would make some characters using the traditional folding techniques of origami. However, this is an art that can take years to learn, so I decided to research paper artists to see what other techniques could be used.

Mary Chau

The first artist I looked at was Mary Chau, who is a paper artist practicing in Vancouver, Canada. Her work consists of intricate layering of paper to create detailed paper characters and scenes that come to life with depth and dimension. Below are some examples of her work.

Fig. 1 Two boys (2017)
Fig. 2 Fishing (2022)
Fig. 3 Family portrait (2021)

The next artist I researched was Shelly Hanmo.

Shelly Hanmo

Shellt Hanmo, a self-taught illustrator based in Indianapolis, is another paper artist who creates stunning sculptures with delicate details, textures, and vibrant colours. What I find great about her work is that she uses materials sourced from recycled materials, such as old calendars and paper bags. It was not until Shelly was eighteen that she moved to the US from China. Therefore, Asian influences can be seen in her work, especially in recreating Asian folklore illustrations.

One of my personal favourite stories growing up as a child was Hansel and Gretal. It was lovely to see her interpretation of the story through her creative paper illustration for the front cover of this book.

Fig. 4 Hansel and Gretel (N.D)

The attention to detail and vibrant colours truly bring the story to life in a way that I have never seen done before. 

Martina Aiko

Finally, the last artist I researched is a Swiss illustrator and author called Martina Aiko. Again, this artist works in a very similar style to the previous two, creating illustrations entirely by hand. Her work consists of mixed media and collage. Like the other two artists, her style and intricate designs captured my attention immediately. Below are some examples of her work. You can see the attention to detail and creativity that go into each piece. The illustration below made me laugh, and I resonated with the image as it reminded me of doing pilates in my lounge, where my pet chihuahua Leo, he will often come and sit on me while I exercise. 

Fig. 5 Yoga (N.D)
Fig.6 Me and Leo (2024)

Other examples of Martina work.

Fig.7 Open pool (N.D)
Fig. 8 Beehive (N.D)

After looking at these artists’ works, I realised that, as much as I like them and their craftsmanship, their work is not quite 3D enough to use as an influence in my work. However, it is something I would like to try myself in the future. Therefore, I would like to experiment with more 3D techniques and incorporate them into my artistic style. I am excited to see how it will enhance my work and bring a new dimension to my art. Although I am a little nervous of this project I am determined to push my boundaries and hopefully evolve as an artist.

Going back to the brief I had For this exercise, it stated to create a set of characters in 3D form using paper folding. Therefore, I decided I wanted to attempt to make a human character out of origami. I looked at various tutorials and then settled on the one below to watch and follow. In the video, it explains the steps and techniques required to create the origami character.

However, I was a little naive, thinking it would be fairly simple. I quickly realised that origami requires a lot of precision, patience, and attention to detail to create intricate designs. I don’t know if it is a lack of practice or if having dyslexia plays a part in finding origami difficult, but I found it extremely hard to master the art of folding paper into complex shapes. However, being stubborn, I spent several days attempting to make the above character. The reason I liked this figure so much is because it reminded me of Little Red Riding Hood, and I thought if I could make it, then I could make other characters from the story and possibly create my own unique versions of the classic fairy tale.

Below are all my failed attempts at making the character.

Fig. 9 Failed attempts (2024)

Although it is very frustrating, I am quite pleased with my determination and perseverance. Especially during half term when the children are at home and can be quite demanding, not only that I contracted COVID again. 

Fig. 10 Covid (2024)

Having to abandon the work for a few days because I was too sick encouraged me to attempt something else. Rereading the brief, I noticed that it did mention that I may create my own origami designs. That’s what I ultimately chose to do. Upon opening my scrapbook cabinet and discovering some red paper and cards, I decided to give it another go at creating an origami figure in my own unique way.

Fig.11 Paper fan (2024)

I started by making a paper fan, folding it in half, and then adhering the edges together. This looked like a skirt to me, so I covered a portion of it with origami paper that was decorated with lovely flowers and folded it into the paper.

Fig.12 Decorated Paper fan (2024)

I then sketched the upper half of a little girl on a white card and attached it to the paper sculpture. Once dry, I then created a red cloke out of soft hand-made red paper and finished it off with a bow from my Christmas stationery. 

Below is the final paper character. 

Fig.13 Girl paper sculpture (2024)

After being satisfied with the result I obtained earlier, I decided to try my hand at making an origami wolf. However, I underestimated the difficulty of the task again and ended up creating a sculpture that my husband thought resembled a cricket instead of a wolf. Nonetheless, I refused to give up and started again. 

Fig.14 Wolf attempt (2024)

In the meantime, my eleven-year-old and sixteen-year-old children saw what I was doing and thought it looked easy. They decided to try creating the characters that I had found too difficult to make. To my frustration, both of them managed to create perfect origami sculptures in just one hour, despite it being their first attempt. Below are their sculptures.

Fig. 15 Jake’s origami figure (2024)
Fig.16 Jake’s Origami Fox (2024)
Fig.17 Elliott’s origami figure (2024)

Jokingly, I said to them, “I don’t know whether to hug you or hit you.”

Not giving in, I decided to make one more attempt at making a wolf, and to my surprise, I managed it. I finally had a sense of accomplishment as I held up my completed origami wolf, or perhaps puppy?

Fig. 18 Wolf (2024)

My children and I all laughed together at the irony of the situation, but deep down, I was grateful for the lesson in resilience that I had unintentionally taught them. While writing this, my youngest son is sitting in the other room, creating more origami figures. The sound of him folding the paper brings a smile to my face, knowing that he has learned the value of perseverance and determination from our previous experience.

Here is a short clip of what he has just made.

I realised it was time to stop making new characters after investing so much time in this exercise. I did, however, think back on the exercise and contemplate how having this skill would help me in the future with my creative work as an illustrator. Maybe I could make an illustration with the figures. This inspired me to learn how to make a woodland scene in Procreate. I noticed that as I dug deeper into learning how to utilise Procreate, my excitement for the possibilities it presented for my artwork grew. It excited me to think of my characters coming to life in a digital format, and I was looking forward to seeing them in a colourful forest scene. Below is the forest scene I created using Procreate. 

Fig. 19 Procreate forest scene (2024)

It also occurred to me that they may look good in a paper-cut design, so I created one in Adobe Illustrator to see what it looked like. Below is the result. 

Fig.20 Paper-cut design (2024)

Finally, I had a little play with the different elements I have created including trees I painted in the previous exercise.

Fig. 21 Trees (2024)

and made various cover designs for a children’s book. Below are different experiments with cover designs.

Fig.22 Cover design 1 (2024)
Fig.23 Cover design 2 (2024)
Fig. 24 Cover design 3 (2024)
Fig.25 Cover design 4 (2024)

As I continued to experiment and play with different techniques, my excitement grew, and I created a final mockup design for an independent reader.

Fig.26 Mock-up book cover (2024)

The process of bringing my characters to life in different contexts was incredibly rewarding. I found that each design sparked new ideas. I am surprised and inspired by how far this exercise has pushed me as an artist.

References

Aiko, M. (n.d.). Martina Aiko. [online] http://www.martinaaiko.com. Available at: https://www.martinaaiko.com [Accessed 7 Apr. 2024].

Arts to Hearts Project. (2023). Captivating works of 10 Paper Artists that will leave you Fascinated! – Arts To Hearts Project. [online] Available at: https://artstoheartsproject.com/paper-artists/ [Accessed 7 Apr. 2024].

Calvin (2020). Watercolor Forest Tutorial in Procreate. [online] http://www.youtube.com. Available at: https://youtu.be/yP1r6noB6Q4?si=JWHERTrJBIXpGPKN [Accessed 7 Apr. 2024].

Canva (2024). Canva. [online] Canva.com. Available at: https://www.canva.com https://www.canva.com/mockups/mockup/d79fpdOoIVD.

Fowler, G. (2024). Origami Fidget Cube. [online] http://www.youtube.com. Available at: https://youtu.be/S_6Na5VsvgI [Accessed 7 Apr. 2024].

May, T. (2023). Shelley Hanmo’s paper collage creations summon Asian folklore and her love of music. [online] Creative Boom. Available at: https://www.creativeboom.com/inspiration/shelley-hanmos-exquisite-paper-collage [Accessed 7 Apr. 2024].

Origami, W. (2020). How to make a Paper 3D Human Girl Figure 【ORIGAMI】. [online] http://www.youtube.com. Available at: https://youtu.be/mHEZLeFOV5U [Accessed 7 Apr. 2024].

Illustration list

Fig. 1 Chau, M. (2017) Two boys. [Paper collage] Available at: https://artstoheartsproject.com/paper-artists/ [Accessed 7 Apr. 2024].

Fig. 2 Chau, M. (2022) Fishing [Paper collage] Available at: https://artstoheartsproject.com/paper-artists/ [Accessed 7 Apr. 2024].

Fig. 3 Chau, M. (2021) Family portrait [Paper collage] Available at: https://artstoheartsproject.com/paper-artists/ [Accessed 7 Apr. 2024].

Fig.4 Hand, S. (N.D) Hansel and Gretel [Paper collage] Available at: https://artstoheartsproject.com/paper-artists/ [Accessed 7 Apr. 2024].

Fig. 5 Aiko, M (N.D) Yoga [Paper collage] Available at: https://artstoheartsproject.com/paper-artists/ [Accessed 7 Apr. 2024].

Fig. 6 Fowler, G (2024) Me and Leo [photograph, landscape] In possession of the author: Forest of Dean. 

Fig. 7 Aiko, M (N.D) Open pool [Paper collage] Available at: https://www.martinaaiko.com/ [Accessed 7 Apr. 2024].

Fig. 8 Aiko, M (N.D) Beehive[Paper collage] Available at: https://www.martinaaiko.com/ [Accessed 7 Apr. 2024].

Fig.9 Fowler, G (2024) Failed attempts [photograph of origami attempts] In possession of the author: Forest of Dean

Fig.10  Fowler, G (2024) Covid [photograph] In possession of the author: Forest of Dean

Fig.11  Fowler, G (2024) Paper fan [photograph, of paper sculpture] In possession of the author: Forest of Dean

Fig.12  Fowler, G (2024) Decorated Paper fan [photograph, of paper sculpture] In possession of the author: Forest of Dean

Fig.13 Fowler, G (2024) Girl paper sculpture (2024) [photograph, of paper sculpture] In possession of the author: Forest of Dean

Fig.14 Fowler, G (2024) Wolf attempt (2024) [photograph, of paper sculpture] In possession of the author: Forest of Dean

Fig.15 Fowler, G (2024) Jake’s origami figure [photograph, of paper sculpture] In possession of the author: Forest of Dean

Fig.16 Fowler, G (2024) Jake’s origami Fox [photograph, of paper sculpture] In possession of the author: Forest of Dean

Fig.17 Fowler, G (2024) Elliott’s origami figure[ photograph, of paper sculpture] In possession of the author: Forest of Dean

Fig.18 Fowler, G (2024) Wolf [photograph, of paper sculpture] In possession of the author: Forest of Dean

Fig.19 Fowler, G (2024) Procreate forest scene [photograph, of paper sculpture] In possession of the author: Forest of Dean

Fig.20 Fowler, G (2024) Paper-cut design [photograph, of paper sculpture] In possession of the author: Forest of Dean

Fig.21 Fowler, G (2024) Trees [photograph, of paper sculpture] In possession of the author: Forest of Dean

Fig.22 Fowler, G (2024) Cover design 1 [digital illustration] In possession of the author: Forest of Dean

Fig.23 Fowler, G (2024) Cover design 2 [digital illustration] In possession of the author: Forest of Dean

Fig. 24 Fowler, G (2024) Cover design 3 [digital illustration] In possession of the author: Forest of Dean

Fig.25 Fowler, G (2024) Cover design 4 [digital illustration] In possession of the author: Forest of Dean

Fig.26 Fowler, G (2024) Mock-up book cover [digital illustration] In possession of the author: Forest of Dean

Categories
Coursework Research Points, Part Three: Making

Research task: ​Paper Toys

Brief

Paper toys are essentially what their name suggests; they are toys made of paper. Find some specific artists who design paper toys and document examples of their work in your log. What is the purpose of paper toys? Who is their target audience? What is the draw to making paper toys as opposed to buying pre-made toys?

Visual Skills 2: Visual Exploration p106

Keywords from the brief

  • Find some specific artists who design paper toys and document examples of their work in your log
  • What is the purpose of paper toys?
  • Who is their target audience?
  • What is the draw to making paper toys as opposed to buying pre-made toys?

Seth

The first artist I examined was Gregory Gallant, a Canadian cartoonist better known by his cartoon name Seth. After seeing a few documentaries and reading about him, I realised that he is an artist who frequently writes graphic novels on the ordinary issues of life, such as people attempting to determine whether their lives have been successful.

Here’s one of the documentaries I watched in which he talks about his artworks. His large collection of projects caught my interest because he not only does commission work, but he also explores a variety of other artistic interests for personal enjoyment. These include a rubber stamp diary, a sketchbook, and he is developing a model city called The City of Dominion.

Throughout the documentary, I enjoyed his short animated film called The Creek. It reminded me of a local site called Soudley Ponds. In the 1930s and 1940s, villagers used man-made diving boards to swim during hot summer days. Today, however, it is a nature reserve full of fish and crayfish, as well as a place where people may take a stroll and view the stunning scenery.

I wanted to post a photo of people swimming in the ponds, but couldn’t find one. However, I was able to find some old images of the surrounding area and a woman describing what it used to be like on Facebook.

Fig. 1 Facebook post (2017)
Fig. 2 Old photos of Soudley village. (2017)

Below is an a photograph I took recently of Soudley ponds.

Fig. 3 Soudley ponds (2024)

Reflecting on Seth’s work, I think he is so successful because of his sheer determination and he is alway developing his artistic practice. Also, his written storytelling is as good as his artwork, which brings emotional depth to his graphic novels. The combination of the two enhances the overall storytelling experience. Looking at his artistic technique, he employs clean lines and a muted colour palette to create a vintage feel to his work.

Steve Monger

The next artist I have the pleasure of researching is one of my former tutors from one of my previous units at the OCA.  Not only is he an OCA tutor, but also a Graphics and Senior Lecturer at Bristol University. In his spare time, Stephen investigates photographic representations of location and is particularly interested in how photography might overlap and merge with other types of representation such as digital drawing and 3D modelling.

This leads me to the model making of buildings Stephen has produced using cardboard. Although part of his work included photography he also created many sculptures of building to show the viewer the different details that was otherwise inaccessible by the use of photography alone. Below are some photographs of one of these paper sculptures.

Fig.4 The making process of Pawnbroker (2008)
Fig. 5 The Pawnbroker (2008)

Thomas Demand

Similarly to Stephen, Thomas is a an artist who also builds realistic models of buildings. However, these are life-sized models of spaces and buildings using a selection of paper and cardboard. Interestingly, he then photographs these models and after destroys them so the photograph is the only record left.

Below is an interesting documentary I watched about Thomas’s work.

After watching it I was quite amazed at the sheer dedication and detail he puts into his art work, often taking weeks to construct them. What sets his work apart from other artists is not just the craftsmanship but also the depth of meaning within each piece. One example is called “Yellowcake”.

For this project, Thomas meticulously reconstructed the scene of the 2001 event involving the Embassy of the Republic of Niger in Rome, using paper and cardboard. It was at the Embassy information regarding Saddam Hussein’s alleged attempt to purchase uranium “yellowcake” was stolen.

Below is one of the photographs of his reconstruction.

Fig. 6 ‘Lemoncake’ (2007)

Through Demands craftsmanship and series of photography he invites viewers to think about the narrative and subsequent consequences of the event, which was the invasion of Iraq by the U.S. The fact that the alleged proof of Saddam’s attempt was later revealed to be forged adds a sense of tragedy to the narrative.

Looking at Demand’s interpretation of this event through his artwork offers people a different kind of engagement compared to a brief news report. I personally find it more thought provoking, intimate and memorable.

Amy Bennett

The final artist I researched is Amy Bennett, an American artist who has a unique approach when creating narrative paintings. This consists of constructing paper models and using them as reference material to observe and paint from. She often uses these models to create detailed and surreal scenes that explore themes of suburban life. By using these paper models, Bennett can explore different viewpoints and compositions before starting her painting. 

Each painting shows a different aspect of everyday life in a way that is both familiar and thought-provoking. In the video I watched below she states ” It’s a bit like being a fly on the wall, observing people and their interactions without them knowing.” (Bennett, 2011). This gives her paintings a vulnerability that is both captivating and intimate.

As a mother and wife, she has used the many challenges this brings, as well as the joys of life, as inspiration for her artwork. This can be seen in her work called “Nuclear Family,” which captures the complexity of love and relationships as well as the difficulties of family struggles. 

Below is a photograph of one of the paintings from the series “Nuclear Family.“

Fig. 7 Animals (2018)

Her artistic style often features bold colours, abstract shapes, buildings and people. These elements combine to create a unique and engaging image. Looking at these works reminds me of my own experiences as a mother and wife and has prompted me and I should think others to reflect on everyday life.

What is the purpose of paper toys?

The purpose of paper toys is to provide entertainment and creative expression for children and adults alike. Not only is it easily accessible but as shown in this research task it also allows for endless creative possibilities.

Who is their target audience?

It depends on the artist who is making the paper toys and their intention for them. The target audience could be any age. It could be designed for pure enjoyment. On the other hand, the target audience might be to engage viewers in a political or cultural matter. To spread important messages and spark conversations. The artist may also aim to promote social change and awareness through their work.

What is the draw to making paper toys as opposed to buying pre-made toys?

There are many benefits to making paper toys, which are: 

  • The pure satisfaction of making something with your own hands that can be played with or explored.
  • Making paper toys allows for customisation and creativity in design, as discussed in Amy Bennett’s research.
  • From an environmental perspective, paper toys are more sustainable than plastic alternatives and can be easily recycled at the end of their life cycle.
  • Personally I would appreciate a handmade paper toy skilfully made, more than a bought plastic toy because to me it would hold more sentimental value.
  • In some cultures paper toys hold significance values for example the long-standing tradition of origami that originating from Japan.

References

Bennett, Amy. “Amy Bennett.” Www.amybennett.com, 2021, http://www.amybennett.com/home.html.

Bennett, Amy . “Artist Amy Bennett.” Www.youtube.com, Anthony Paget , 26 July 2011, youtu.be/yodJPR5hGic. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Brownstein, Bill. “Film Animates the Life of Comic Book Creator Seth.” The Gazette, Bill Brownstein, 8 Oct. 2014, montrealgazette.com/entertainment/arts/film-animates-the-life-of-comic-book-creator-seth. Accessed 26 Mar. 2024.

Chamberland, luc. “Seth’s Dominion.” Www.youtube.com, 13 Mar. 2024, youtu.be/EJMKBiJuO6I. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Demand, Thomas . “Thomas Demand: Animations | Exhibition | DHC/ART.” Www.youtube.com, 18 Jan. 2013, youtu.be/M-itI67quhE. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Hoffman, Eric, et al. Seth: Conversations. Perlego, University Press of Mississippi, 4 Feb. 2015, http://www.perlego.com/book/561986/seth-conversations-pdf. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

kurkdjian, guillaume. “Amy Bennett.” Wertn.com, 22 May 2019, wertn.com/2019/05/amy-bennett/.

Maher, Daniel. “Amy Bennett Looks at the Complexities of Suburban Family Life in Her Miniature Paintings.” Www.itsnicethat.com, 10 Apr. 2019, http://www.itsnicethat.com/articles/amy-bennett-nuclear-family-art-100419. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Monger, Stephen. “About : Stephen Monger.” Www.stephenmonger.com, 1995, http://www.stephenmonger.com/index.php/info/about/. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

—. “Mr Stephen Monger – UWE Bristol.” People.uwe.ac.uk, people.uwe.ac.uk/Person/StephenMonger. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Shane, Robert R. “Amy Bennett: Nuclear Family.” The Brooklyn Rail, 4 Sept. 2019, brooklynrail.org/2019/09/artseen/Amy-Bennett-Nuclear-Family. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Tylec, Laurie . “Acquisition: Thomas Demand “Embassy I,” from the Series “Yellowcake.”” Www.nga.gov, 30 Oct. 2020, http://www.nga.gov/press/acquisitions/2020/demand.html. Accessed 26 Mar. 2024.

Wehr, Anne. “Thomas Demand.” Frieze, 1 Apr. 2008, http://www.frieze.com/article/thomas-demand-1. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Illustration list

Fig. 1 Facebook post (2017) [Facebook, screenshot] At:https://www.facebook.com/ForestBygoneHistory/photos/a.10150369899392595/10154391365347595/?type=3 (Accessed 26/03/2024).

Fig. 2 Old photos of Soudley village. (2017) [Facebook, screenshot] At:https://www.facebook.com/ForestBygoneHistory/photos/a.10150369899392595/10154391365347595/?type=3 (Accessed 26/03/2024).

Fig. 3 Fowler, G. (2024) Soudley ponds [Photograph, landscape] In possession of the author: Forest of Dean.

Fig.4 Monger, S. (2008) The making process of Pawnbroker [Paper sculpture] At: http://www.stephenmonger.com/index.php/the-prawnbroker/ (Assessed 26/03/2024).

Fig.5 Monger, S. (2008) The Pawnbroker [Paper sculpture] At: http://www.stephenmonger.com/index.php/the-prawnbroker/ (Assessed 26/03/2024).

Fig. 6 Demand, T (2007) Lemoncake [Paper sculpture] At: https://www.303gallery.com/gallery-exhibitions/thomas-demand?view=slider#7 (Accessed 25/03/2024)

Fig. 7 Bennett, A (2018) Animals [Painting] At: www.itsnicethat.com/articles/amy-bennett-nuclear-family-art-100419. (Accessed 26/03/2024).