Paper

We have begun the new term ‘designing through making’ with our first session, a playful one –  the challenge to create 3D forms from paper experimenting with structure and texture using manipulation techniques.  We decided that in addition to sculpting with paper, thread, string, and fishing line can be used as a design feature and as an extra helping hand in holding things together. No staples, glue or tape allowed…that would be way too easy!

As inspiration we looked at images of architecture, model making, fashion design, paper sculptures and art installations. From Australian artists Gerwyn Davies’ stylised and playful constructions and Anna-Wili Highfields’ torn and alive paper sculptures to internationally renowned Canadian-American architect Frank Gehry’s ‘crumbled paper bag’ building (Sydney), titanium-clad Guggenheim Museum (Bilbao), Walt Disney Concert Hall (Los Angeles) and Mexican artist Carlos Amorales’ beautiful and disquieting installation Black Cloud (2007/2018) with its 30,000 hand-folded paper butterflies….yes 30,000 and hand folded!

The children responded to the challenge with boundless enthusiasm working with the organic qualities of the material intuitively and at times in battle. With every fold, crumple, rip and tear bringing ideas and materials together and questioning – what can this material do? what can it become?!

With the possibilities of paper, play and the children’s innate creativity we can’t wait to see what lively sculptures will appear and stand waiting to greet us in the art studio.