Creative Workshops:
Sculpting Paper / Narrative Diagrams
Take paper into a new dimension with this hands-on exploration of material and form.
Experiment with properties of sheet material
Learn paper sculpting techniques
Combine methodical processes
Work towards unexpected results
Participate in a group activity
Improve making skills
As children know, the way to learn is through play.
We can all reach a fixed goal by following fixed instructions - but if we give ourselves room to experiment we can reach unexpected solutions and gain true insights.
Deep knowledge of materials comes from hands-on experience. An open, playful mindset 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 and practice of paper sculpture with 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. This material can be delivered as a one-off workshop or as a course.
Clients include Eric Parry Architects, Studio Egret West, and the Design Museum.
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.