After flailing around in the dark for a while over this Oriental theme I think I might have a seed of an idea that could have potential. Origami! In the name of research this of course justified the purchase of books...
Hmm...reading an origami book is a bit like reading through a knitting pattern - nothing makes much sense until you start. Here's my first attempt which wasn't quite as difficult as it looked, but not far off.
It is in theory a crane and it does look a bit birdlike, more so than other origami forms that I've seen so far, some of which really need a caption underneath to give any clue as to the subject. Where is all this leading I hear you wonder. Well I'm not sure yet, but I am confident that it won't include any fabric folding, that's just not my cup of tea at all.
This first crane is folded from a photocopy of a drawing I made of a bird in a cage. That might have potential I think - to decorate papers that have some meaning and then use them in the folding. There are also a couple of avenues I want to pursue that explore the stages of the folding. Time to make a start in the sketchbook!
I love it Laura! I shall be really interested to see where you go with this ..... I have been very drawn by lovely origami books and papers, but just couldn't see where I might go with it, other than three dimensional fabric folding, which just isn't me. Do post some images of the sketchbook won't you - Hilary x
ReplyDeleteThis is looking wonderfully convoluted and creative, excellent labyrinthine thinking going on.
ReplyDeleteSteph
Good grief - Steph's swallowed a dictionary again! Still it is her birthday - so that was obviously the treat for lunch. Hope it was a good day Steph x
ReplyDeleteNot quite a crane but I was wandering around the Larmer Tree gardens the other day and was admiring thier stunningly beautiful peacocks walking around the almost oriental buildings and thinking of you all and your challenge! Any excuse to buy books is welcome.
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like a very good visit Amanda - where are these gardens? And you are dead right about books - Hilary
ReplyDeleteLinda and Laura,
ReplyDelete(Please note: I tried to post this earlier and I don't think it 'took' -- please bear with me if it appears twice!!)
In view of your smashing work for the Festival of Quilts Fashion Show, may I commend to you the book, "Making Kimono and Japanese Clothes" by your compatriot, Jenni Dobson? In addition to discussing actual garments, there are wonderful notes and illustrations about motifs for kamon and marumon which you might find inspiring.
Best,
M
Hi Hilary, it's a strange little garden not far from me in East Dorset. The first ever private gardens opened to the public. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Larmer_Tree_Gardens Usually more known for its summer music festivals, one with a multiple line up usually headed by Jools Holland, they've just had their first Christmas fair. The peacocks are fabulous but you have to be careful which tree you sit under, they're big birds and feathers aren't the only things they drop!
ReplyDeleteThanks Amanda - I shall add it to my list of places to visit if I am ever in the area. I did part of my training at Swanage and Wimbourne in Dorset and remember it as a really beautiful county. I reguarly have to clean my local pigeons (Percy) deposits form our Conservatory roof and am always amazed at the volume ... so a peacock is a formidable thought!
ReplyDeleteHi Laura,
ReplyDeleteThis bird reminds me of the work of the kite maker I was telling you about, have you thought of painted piecing? The shapes are kind of wild tessellation!
Marie