DES100 - Fold & Snap

Brief:

1. Fold a square piece of paper (min size 100mm x 100mm) in 50+ different ways.

2. Take 50+ considered photographs of your three favourite folds.

3. Choose your three favourite photographs, describe them.

4. Choose one final photograph, and write a reflection about why you favour your chosen photo over your second and third favourites.

In my first designs, I kept repeating the same folding technique until the paper got smaller and smaller, then unfolded to see how I could manipulate the shape of it and the patterns that appeared. My designs tended to have a lot of symmetry in the beginning and the patterns would be the same size. I realised later that my designs had too many folds, making it look busy and they (unintentionally) started to take the form of typical origami which we weren't allowed to make. Part way through, I decided to create curved folds as it would make the designs look flowy and create rhythm. It also contrasts to the harsh lines that were created through typical folding, which allowed me to mix this curved folding technique with others (see photo 5). Whenever, I ran out of ideas, I pinched the corners of the paper and moved it in different directions to see what shapes would form or where it'd make natural creases, then I'd just fold it there.

When taking the photos, I played with the scale by zooming into my design so it'd appear more abstract (see photo 4). I also used paper that were different sizes so some designs appeared smaller than others. I continuously changed the orientation of the paper and would flip it over to see the different shadows that would appear and took the photos at different angles.

My favourite photo/design is this purple one (see photo 1) as the shadow is very unique, with gaps and sharp edges pointing in different directions. I liked this one in particular because it was the most abstract, had lots of dimension and it didn't have a repetitive pattern to it like the others did which made it look more chaotic but also clean at the same time. Every time I moved it around or flipped it over in the sunlight, the shadows within, and showing on the background, would change. Also because each fold is so different that it would be hard to recreate it from first glance.

For my second favourite design (see photo 2), I liked how it created a crown shaped shadow on the side and how the pattern of the paper pops out at you. The pattern is rhythmic and the shadows are very clean.

For my third favourite design (see photo 3), I liked how it was made from only curved folds, making the shadow also wavy. The shadow was mainly on the left side of the photo which made it look more balanced and it also reminds me of the little toy windmills I used to play with when I was little!