It's not everyday that a girl gets to sit down with a Master Paperfolder. But this week I had the huge privilege of spending an evening with Joseph Wu. Local artist, resident origami expert and all around good people!
Joseph Wu Origami Inc.
Origami has long been on my list of interests. And so was keen to try it out before meeting with the Wu. Seeing as it was a well contained, calm 52 Firsts, I thought it a good one to share with my sister-in-law Deb,who I had wanted to include in a First for some time.
Origami has long been on my list of interests. And so was keen to try it out before meeting with the Wu. Seeing as it was a well contained, calm 52 Firsts, I thought it a good one to share with my sister-in-law Deb,who I had wanted to include in a First for some time.
Well, turns out when it comes to creating delicate creatures from paper, in a whirlwind of toddler tasmania, a successful outcome can prove more treacherous than any my more stereotypical adventurous Firsts.
(Master destroyer...but we love her!)
Lesson 1: Children are drawn to all things forbidden.
Lesson 2: Expect that as you work tirelessly to create, they work tirelessly to destroy.
Lesson 3: The awe on their faces makes it all worth it.
With paper cubes successfully mastered, Deb proceeded to take it up a notch and tackle leaping frogs. I proceeded to take it down a notch and tackle the wine bottle. I had been temporarily defeated by the paper.... and the children. But not for long.
(Show off!)
A few days later as I sat on the couch getting to know Joseph, I came to fully appreciate the art and tradition of origami. Although most often associated with Japan, paper-folding can be independently traced back to every culture as it discovered paper-making in it's own right. But not everyone is a master.
(Getting a mini lesson...)
Joseph's work is amazing and can be seen everywhere from advertising campaigns, to galleries, to huge installations at Vancouver Aquarium!
Joseph Wu Origami Inc.
Whereas most don't attempt teaching the art to children younger than 6, Joseph was creating at 3. And to this day, no piece of paper is safe!
("Swine Flew" as inspired by the 2009 outbreak)
Joseph Wu Origami Inc.
And as proud as we were of our cubes, his skulls, and dragons, and birds and lizzard warriors are astounding. More impressive, his work adheres to the simple principles of origami. One sheet of paper and the 2 colours of the 2 sides of the paper.
Joseph Wu Origami Inc.
When asked what he was most proud of, he quotes the first model he ever designed, the x-wing star fighter. At 11 years old!! The first known of its kind in the world and a base model for variations ever since.
Joseph Wu Origami Inc.
(replica of original model)
Joseph can create anything! Well, except maybe wisps of smoke...the nemesis of the Master.
For more amazing creations check out: https://www.facebook.com/joseph.wu.origami
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