Peter Mackinnon's profile

Paper Design (Series)

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This series explores transforming paper into design, architecture  & origami.
Series Observational  Notes
Creating something with my hands.
Created during the Pandemic lockdown.
“Limitless paper in a paperless age.”
Learning from others while learning on my own.
Paper made by hand.
Abstract & figurative design & form.
Paper architecture & origami.
Tradition & skill passed down & to others.
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I studied the work of Paul Jackson, Mark Bolitho, Meher McArthur, Robert J. Lang, Yoshimura, Miura, & origami creators like Yoshizawa who create beautiful & realistic butterflies. I watched origami artists on YouTube like The Origami Princess. Aydan Aghabyli, James Randolph, Keith Nabb & JeremyShaferOrigami.
These creators, paper folders & designers help inspire & educate my folding work. I would learn to fold butterflies from various opportunities found on youtube & then reinforce what I learned from various books on the subject of origami on geometric paper folding. I would also experiment with my own abstract folds, then educate myself on various practices, tips & rules found in Paul Jackson or Mark Bolitho’s books.
I studied traditional origami instructions of swans & crows found in the back of instruction booklets, or in free instructional apps & magazines. I also studied online instructions, books & apps on modular patterns like pyramids, cubes, & herringbones. Many of these patterns, designs & instructions have been seemingly handed down from one person to the next or one generation to the next. I found that patterns had different names, different folding techniques or slightly different designs, & many of them even differed from what I saw in my own head. There are multiple sources from books, magazines, to instructions found with paper & YouTubers who have differing names & instructions to make these same folds. When possible, I have given credit to any designer or have pointed to the inspiration that led me to creating these designs. If I have miss-used or missed a credit all together, please notify me & I will do my best to correct any errors & omissions. I have tried my best to give credit where credit is due.
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Paper Abstract Series 1
I began my curiosity with origami paper architecture &  modular paper folding by simply creasing & gently rounding pieces of paper (as seen in this series) in unique & beautiful ways. From there I wanted to grow & develop more complex folds & creases to enhance my work.
‭2 John 1:12 NIV‬
[12] I have much to write to you, but I do not want to use paper and ink. Instead, I hope to visit you and talk with you face to face, so that our joy may be complete.​​​​​​​
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Paper Abstract Series 2
I followed my creases & rounding paper series with a basic attempt to fold a piece of paper once or twice through its centre length & or  width-wise. I wanted to capture minimal lines & contrast.
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Paper Designs

I worked on modular origami, paper architecture & design while studying the work of Paul Jackson, Mark Bolitho. Paul Jackson illustrated wonderful techniques to help me better understand herringbone tessellations. I also found several YouTube videos providing wonderful insight into how to fold these tricky designs. I read about Miura who created the Miura fold, which is very similar to the herringbone tessellations seen in this series. Mark Bolitho & Paul Jackson both had great instruction on how to fold what can be known as a Schwarz Lantern, a Kresling fold or the Hexagonal fold. I read about Yoshimura who created a similar design known as the Yoshimura pattern.

‭Psalms 8:3 NIV‬
[3] When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place.​​​​​​​
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Paper Abstract Series 3
My next project was singular & multiple creases & folds to create elegant & simplified designs with curves. I placed several single & multiple creased designs on top of each other to create more complex designs & curves. I experimented with offsetting pleats & creases to create depth. I continued to stud the work & instruction of Paul Jackson & improve on my folds, creases, designs & patterns.
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Paper Architecture 
I wanted to create more specific creases & curves focusing on architecture & design. These creases would further my discovery & understanding of Paul Jackson’s work. I studied his techniques for single folds, studying how these
Single Crease with Curves no. 4  ViewBug Award - Contender in Visual Poetry Project.
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Origami Butterflies
After I began reading Paul Jackson’s books I felt an urge to explore traditional origami. I wanted to create lifelike butterflies, swans & crows. I began searching for artists, creators & folders on YouTube. I found The Origami Princess & JeremyShaferOrigami who both had instructions on how to fold butterflies. I found folding instructions on a few iOS apps as well as instructions found in the backs of origami paper. I read about Yoshizawa & their butterfly creations on the internet. All these instructions & designers inspired me to fold these butterflies.
Matthew 27:59-60 NIV‬
[59] Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, [60] and placed it in his own new tomb that he had cut out of the rock. He rolled a big stone in front of the entrance to the tomb and went away.
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Origami Swans
After I began reading Paul Jackson’s books I felt an urge to explore traditional origami. I wanted to create life like butterflies, swans & crows.  I found folding instructions on a few iOS apps as well as instructions found in the backs of origami paper that instructed me to fold traditional swans.
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'Paper & Light in Abstract
I began studying how light & colour reflected off the paper & its fibers. I saw an opportunity to create something abstract like a painting using paper & light.
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Paper Design (Series)
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Paper Design (Series)

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