This week the challenge was to make sculptures out of some sheets of white paper (and some tracing paper for an interesting alternative). After demonstrating how to safely use scalpels I showed them some basic methods to start with, but many invented their own methods. No sellotape and only small amounts of glue were needed to make these intricate and delicate sculptures – some were creatures, some were abstract, all were beautiful.
This was a challenge set by Josef Albers to his students at the Bauhaus. Working for hours with just this simple material they invented many different constructions including this the folded 3d square/triangle/circle design which the children took off in new directions with their own amazing designs.
Another method was simplicity itself – using scissors or a scalpel make two or three slits anywhere in the paper, being careful not to go over an edge. Then just twist until it makes an interesting shape, adding a spot of glue if necessary to hold in place. You can also add some other cut shapes – perhaps a hole – for a more complex design.
The final method I introduced was similar to the last one but this time, cut out an interesting shape that could hook into itself such as an s-shape. Then using scissors or a scalpel cut holes into the shape so it becomes more flexible. Then twist into an interesting shape as before and marvel at the intricate sculpture you have made!
