[OBDF 110] Papercraft Research

(Fig 1) Nahoko Kojima[1]

"When I was a child I would lie down on my back on the grass and draw the underside of flowers. I think when we discover a hidden beauty, we leave our bodies and look on ourselves, the object and environment, all as one lovely epiphany."[2]

For the second project, we will be dealing with papercraft objects. I think this medium is pretty self-explanatory. To my basic understanding of this topic, it is to skillfully make something out of paper. In the first assignment of this project, we have been asked to look at some professional papercraft artists/works and choose one to respond to. The one that stood out to me is the "Sculptures Hand-Cut from Single Sheets of Paper by Nahoko Kojima"[3] article.

(Fig 2) Cloud Leopard by Kojima[3]

There are a few reasons why I picked this one to read and write about. First of all, I am a Japanophile and I recognized her name to be the only Japanese name on the list provided by our instructor. Secondly, after taking a brief inspection of her works and biography, I find myself admiring her discipline, imagination, patience, and skills. I am genuinely impressed by the intricacies of her sculptures and the meticulous way she cuts from single sheets of paper, whereas most of the other artists on the list practice their crafts using multiple sheets and various types of paper. In my opinion, cutting from one piece of paper entails a lot less room for error than working with numerous sheets and materials. It takes true craftsmanship and careful planning to execute her ideas.

(Fig 3) Kojima working on Byaku[3]

Another reason why I find her works interesting is that the details and patterns seem to be abstract but the overall shapes of her designs appear to represent natural elements. "The Paper Artist is known to create one-off designs that are never duplicated[4] and often based on the forces of nature."[5] Her designs might share an overall theme, but all of her sculptures have individual shapes so that every piece offers the audience a new story and is unique to the eyes.

 "Kojima's wants to make paper cutting a legitimate art form. "The curiosity of paper-cut art is to express all dimensions of the world by using one piece of paper." She is creating sculpture, not craft, and she is clear in her desire to push the medium as far as she and her deft hands can propel her."[1]

- Karen Wright, The Independent

I am certainly looking forward to work with this medium as well as having Kojima and her brilliant works a part of my inspiration. Thank you for reading!

(Fig 4) Kojima holding artwork[3]

(Fig 5) Chandelier, two paper planes[3]

References

1. “Paper Artist | Paper Sculpture | Nahoko Kojima.” Nahoko Kojima 小島 奈保子, 18 Sept. 2013, www.nahokokojima.com/paper-artist/.
2. Kojima, Nahoko. “Paper Cut Sculpture — Nahoko Kojima — Documentary (2013)”. YouTube. Solo Kojima. Retrieved 29 April 2013.
3. Jobson, Christopher. “Sculptures Hand-Cut from Single Sheets of Paper by Nahoko Kojima.” Colossal, 20 Oct. 2017, www.thisiscolossal.com/2013/06/sculptures-hand-cut-from-single-sheets-of-paper-by-nahoko-kojima/.
4. Wright, Karen (19 July 2013). “In the studio: Nahoko Kojima, paper-cutting artist”. I never make the same image – ever – I don’t want to cut the same thing (London: The Independent Newspaper). Retrieved 19 July 2013.
5. Kenoyer, Jane. “Nahoko Kojima’s Paper Cut Artworks are a Force of Nature”. Byaku. Hi-Fructose. Retrieved 5 June2013.