Paper craft Research

               Of the articles, we were given on paper craft artists, Matthew Shlian stood out like his three-dimensional work. In a world of geometrics, Matt Shlian focus on modern paper folding using 3D shaped paper to stand alone or to be put together to create one piece. He uses impeccable math and engineering skills to create his works of art and bring them to life. Sticking to almost inclusively geometric shape he uses this skill to create art but he also intends to use his skill of paper folding to science. It has been guessed that some of his techniques may be contributing to the science world for it’s a ability to be moved and its elasticity.

              His work folds into life by the intricate process of engineering his work to perform and withstand many different tasks. Through his multiple processes he can manipulate various shape and elasticity from a two dimensional, flat piece of paper. In order to achieve such structures, a very intense and fundamental knowledge of origami and the operations of paper folding needs to be understood. Using this knowledge, the very micro/nanostructure of the material itself also needs to be considered when designing Shlian’s works. During Shlian’s processes, he must establish paper’s ability to crease and retain certain folds, considering the material, folding technique, and pressure that was used. With more complex folds of single sheets of paper, Shlian uses techniques from the Japanese art of paper cutting to eliminate failure of the paper folds my creating rigid notches. With all of these ideas being incorporated with each other, the work of three-dimensional paper can be taken to the next level, and be used for more than aesthetic appeal.

                  The work of Matt Shlian, and other artists alike, may be the future in technological advances thanks to their own personal processes. Using their extensive knowledge of folding and of three dimensional conventions, their work may be put toward the future of data routers, wireless antennas, solar cells, and many other possibilities. Not only are his designs, technically and visually inclined, but they also provide a greater meaning of understanding and enhancing previous technologies.

                  Selecting Matthew and his work was particularly for its geometric focus and use of three dimensions, created from simple sheets of paper. As I got more serious about art and design, I started to realize that I was naturally drawn to geometric design. My favorite part about Shlian’s work is his incorporation of minimalism and his incorporation of movement in most of his designs. To me they are extraordinarily interesting to look at as they play with shape, movement, and texture while still communicating a clean design. Although each simple piece of his art is fairly simple, with careful calculation, he creates extraordinary pieces that are very powerful and intriguing. In my artistic career, I hope to incorporate geometrics in my everyday work as Matthew Shlian has.