Creative Workshops:
Sculpting Paper / Narrative Diagrams
Take paper into a new dimension with this hands-on exploration of material and form.
Explore fundamental properties of sheet material
Learn principles and techniques of paper sculpting
Reach unexpected results through methodical processes
Participate in a group activity
Improve making skills
As all children know, the best way to learn is through play.
If we follow strict instructions we can reach a fixed goal - but if we have room to experiment we can reach many, often surprising solutions and find our own insights. Deep knowledge of materials comes from hands-on experience and an open, playful mindset that can accommodate failure - and learn from it.
This course provides an opportunity to sculpt surprising, innovative forms from the humblest of materials - paper.
Teaching style
One of the first tasks Josef Albers gave his students at the Bauhaus was to make something from paper:
“Ladies and gentlemen, we are poor, not rich. We can't afford to waste materials or time. All art starts with a material, and therefore we have first to investigate what our material can do."
This workshop combines an introduction to the history of paper sculpture, a series of guided group exercises, and one-to-one tuition, research, and discovery.
Participants work experimentally towards making individual pieces and large-scale group sculptures. Closing discussions provide a forum to share what has been learnt. The material can be delivered as a one-off workshop and as a series.
To enquire about this course please email me
Objectives
In this workshop, participants will learn:
Principles of straight and curved folding
Theory of paper folding
Creative folding processes
Sculpting with paper
Combining processes to increase complexity
Course Content
Introduction: History & Context
Introduction: Tools & Materials
Exercise 1: Straight folding techniques
Exercise 2: Curved folding techniques
Experimental modelling (with 1:1 tuition)
Individual sculpting
Group model (optional)
Presentation and discussion
Audience
This workshop is ideal for anyone wishing to explore new sculptural possibilities in sheet material. It has been tailored to run with diverse groups including creative professionals, teachers, students, origami experts, and children.
The workshop can be run as a formal office-based CPD session, as an informal group activity, or as a fun event in a festival environment.
If you have any particular requirements, get in touch.
Peter Ayres
Peter Ayres is a designer, artist, and educator.
As Project Lead at Heatherwick Studio, Peter designed, developed, and delivered buildings around the world, using paper in concept models for the East Beach Cafe, Littlehampton and NTU Learning Hub, Singapore.
He designs logos and brand identities for diverse clients, and contributed graphics to the global bestseller ‘Information is Beautiful’.
He has led workshops on the creative process for over ten years, and specialises in workshops on narrative diagramming and paper sculpture. He designs, develops, and facilitates drawing workshops for architects and engineers with Drawing At Work.