I coined the word Origraphics in 2010 from the more familiar words “origami” [creating various shapes by folding paper] and “graphics.” The combination, OriGraphics, affords a novel and interesting way for children to explore 2 and 3-dimensional art regardless of skill. So how does it work?
Imagine you have created or obtained an interesting graphic - for instance the sketch of a face, or a photo, picture, computer graphic, etc.
· Now use origami to variously fold the initially-identical two-dimensional copies into different-looking three-dimensional sculptures (you might even use some crumpling).
· The folds can be quite simple: just a few can produce dramatically different configurations of convex/concave facets.
· The resulting effects furthermore depend on how the original 2-d object’s graphical properties interact with the different 3-d configurations.
So take 20 minutes and give it a try!
But What Is The Point?
OriGraphics are entirely accessible and even fun, regardless of skill or artistic interest: after all, who wouldn’t enjoy this kind of ‘play’ with pictures of oneself or of a friend? The next step, still fun, might be to experiment with crude sketches of various sorts. From here, some will acquire significantly deeper interests in drawing and space, and ultimately some will embrace serious artistic practice and exploration.
So the answer is that OriGraphics has the power to engage any child, adolescent, or class of such for a short time, while simultaneously stimulating a more select and interested subset onward over the long run.
History and Potential of OriGraphics
I “invented” OriGraphics in autumn of 2010, and since then the concept has lived almost entirely within my own mind, as I have very little aptitude or inclination to work with children. But art for children is too important, and the method seems too promising to be bound up in my mind alone, hidden from the many parents, teachers, and Art Missionaries who might really do something with it.
So if you value art and there are children in your life, give it a try. For more information, see www.OriGraphics.blogspot.com.
Stephen Rowe is an Art Missionary and writes various related blogs.
