folded

My Senior Art Thesis is now complete! I can say that this is the longest I've spent working on one single project. And I loved doing it. Of course there were times near the end of folding all the triangles, that I thought, is this possible to complete? But I especially liked getting away from working digitally to working more with my hands. Through this process, I've learned that I need to do more physical work and take breaks from my computer more often. I'm hoping this won't be my last piece. 

Folded was created as a requirement for graduation. It was on exhibit this past week at my school's Art Gallery. I began the piece by collecting paper. I used all found paper - paper that was given to me, paper I had collected over time, paper from old artworks, paper bags, or paper I bought from old bookstores (I love paper!). I then cut down the paper to 4" x 4" squares. From there I proceeded to fold and glue each into their three-dimensional form. After I had the triangles folded, I counted and mapped out the color pattern. And finally began gluing them all together. In the end the piece has about 3,500 triangles and is about 12 x 13'.

My artist statement:

It's fascinating working with a medium in which a new tactile experience is explored.

A medium that is often regarded as common, but has also created strong connections with its viewers.

Each has a story to tell, from old maps to smaller paper remnants.

These have been taken from their discarded state and folded three-dimensionally to further their transformation.

A transformation that finds order in its details.

A transformation into something beautiful.

*Photos by Lehua Noelle