Print, laser, fold

Having photographed white paper with repetitive folds I used a section of the photographs to create new repeat patterns. I then printed this pattern onto a length of plain wallpaper (suitable for the scale) before then cutting and folding into the new pattern - confused?!

There were three challenges involved in creating this print:
1. Creating the Illustrator file to follow the pattern
2. How to laser cut from a piece that is larger than the laser and accurately match the cut to the print
3. Folding back the cuts on a large surface

From Sheet to Form

Flattened

Expanded

With the help of an excellent book, (Folding Techniques for Designers by Paul Jackman), I have again been working with plain white paper to explore the idea of form or a manipulated surface. Some of the more complex folds are quite difficult to construct without creasing the paper the wrong way despite having scored the paper first. A thinner paper can be easier to manipulate but is more likely to split when folded along a scored line. Thicker paper is harder to manipulate but will keep its form better and would also take a print.

The best two tips form the book:

1. Use the back of a scapel blade to score

2. How to fold accuratley without measuring - genius!

A digital print folded into a double concertina fold:

Same print expanded to reveal more of the print:

Repetition

Ignoring print for a while to focus on the repetitions of folds using the laser cutter. Taking folds previously used I have simply repeated them over a larger surface area and in some cases altered direction of fold or spacing. The folded semi-circles or triangles I have kept the same scale for now. Working on white paper I enjoyed using sunlight to create shadows which created a new shapes. Bending the paper slightly would change the shape of the shadows across the paper.

Surfacing

Check out the work by current MA Print students including me!

Shezad Dawood at The Exchange

The New Dream Machine Project, is a large-scale kinetic light sculpture, referencing the original Dream Machine, created by Brion Gysin (who was at the centre of the Tangiers counter culture in the 1960s), and conceived to have an effect on the viewer similar to deep sleep or meditation.

I became obsessed with photographing the moving sculpture to capture the different patterns created. To stretch this further I added movement to the camera (through shaking/ circling) to alter the patterns. From one object many new patterns were formed. I wondered...  can I utilise my own work in a similar way to create new ideas?

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 



 

 

 

Norm 69

Only just discovered this Danish design icon from 1969 -fabulous.

"...flat packed in 69 pieces and requires no tools or glue for assembly. The lamp shade foil is made from safety tested Polypropylene plastic."

Heatherwick Studios

Completely inspired and in ore having visited the Heatherwick Studios exhibition at the V&A. Diversity of concepts, materials and technology applied from bags to buildings. One description of the work read:

"This project reveals how intreaging structures and surfaces can develop through controlled repetition of shapes and patterns."

I would like to be able to apply the same quote to my own work...