He Creates Complex Origami Sculptures From A Single Sheet Of Paper | Hobsessions

Evan’s Origami Journey: A Deep Dive into Technical Origami and Creative Expression

Key Concepts: Complex Origami, Crease Pattern, Grafting, Orio Software, Box Pleating, Transformative Art, Origami Design Process, Community & Collaboration, Personal Expression through Origami.

I. Introduction: Beyond the Basic Fold

Evan, a research department worker at a hospital, describes origami not merely as a hobby, but as “an extension of my soul.” He recounts beginning with simple paper mechanisms as a child – cutting and folding cardboard to create a ball-kicking device – and quickly progressing to complex models even before finishing primary school. He challenges the common misconception that origami is simple or solely for children, emphasizing the depth and intricacy of the art form he practices. He submitted his work to the inaugural UEFA Champions League technical origami category, demonstrating a commitment to pushing the boundaries of the discipline.

II. The Nature of Complex Origami

Evan differentiates between basic origami (flapping birds, cranes, simple flowers completed in 5-10 minutes) and complex origami, which can take hours to complete. Complex origami aims to realistically encapsulate all features of the subject, including details like claws on legs, simulated jaws, eyes, and even individual feathers. He highlights the importance of mental visualization in his process, stating, “thinking and folding a lot… is done in my mind.” He mentally “walks through” the folding process, understanding the instructions and anticipating the effects. He prefers to break down complex models into manageable sessions, prioritizing enjoyment over rushing the process.

III. Origami Design: A Methodical Approach

Origami design, Evan acknowledges, can be daunting. However, resources like published books offer guidance. He explains the concept of “grafting” – conceptually adding paper to a model plan, effectively increasing the number of folds possible. He demonstrates this by illustrating how to split a crease pattern in half to add paper to the wings of a flapping bird, explaining that at least eight divisions are needed to create five fingers in origami. A “crease pattern” is defined as the unfolded map of all the folds required for a model.

IV. The Constraints and Challenges of Transformative Art

Evan articulates the unique constraints of origami: it’s a “transformative art” where nothing is added or removed, and the final product remains a single square of paper. This limitation, he argues, is both the difficulty and the beauty of the discipline. He candidly admits that failures are common, often requiring a complete restart, stating, “Sometimes it does not work. Then we have to discard the whole paper and start a new.” This highlights the perseverance and dedication required in complex origami.

V. Technical Tools and Inspiration: Orio and Football

Evan utilizes Orio, a software designed for planning origami models that deviate from traditional flat-foldable designs. Orio allows for the creation of models with cylindrical and conical shapes, enabling the design of objects like pots, buses, and trophies. His submission to the UEFA Champions League competition exemplifies his passion for both origami and football, aiming to merge the concepts of origami and “box plating” (a technique for creating three-dimensional forms). He describes the intense process of model creation – expending countless hours and paper on prototypes – and the profound “mental release” experienced upon completion. He cherishes these finished models, displaying them prominently in his home.

VI. Early Influences and the Power of Community

Evan recalls being taught to fold the flapping bird by his mother as a young child, a difficult task that sparked his lifelong passion. He notes that origami is often a solitary pursuit, recalling his childhood spent folding alone. However, he emphasizes the importance of community, actively seeking events, competitions, and online platforms (Instagram, YouTube) to connect with other origami enthusiasts. He credits creating a YouTube channel as a life-changing experience, facilitating connection and collaboration.

VII. Sharing Knowledge and Fostering Growth

Evan participates in and leads origami workshops, such as the one demonstrated at the Singapore Piranaka Museum for Singapore’s 60th National Day. He actively shares his knowledge and skills with others, highlighting the value of collaborative learning. He routinely meets with origami friends weekly to set challenges and foster mutual growth. He believes origami deserves more respect, recognizing the effort, intelligence, creativity, and personality invested in each piece.

VIII. Personal Significance and Artistic Expression

Evan concludes by reiterating the profound personal significance of origami. He emphasizes that each model possesses its own backstory, challenges, and character. He views origami as more than a hobby; it’s a deeply meaningful form of self-expression, stating, “Origami is not just a hobby to me. Origami is an extension of my soul.” He finds immense satisfaction in contributing his creations to the world and cherishing the tangible results of his dedication.

This summary aims to capture the depth and specificity of Evan’s insights, preserving the technical language and personal reflections presented in the original transcript.