PAPER COLUMNS 2011
Three paper columns with different folds. 11" high.
Two wooden columns 1969
68" and 88" high
68" and 88" high
I returned to the idea of making columns, but with a more minimalist approach than the plaster and clay columnar figures. These columns of folded sheets of paper were closer to the large wooden columns I had made in 1969 than to the articulated surfaces of the small columns in plaster and clay of 2003. These minimalist columns were definitely not figurative, not even suggesting figures.
Instead of crinkling paper, as in the earlier plaster cast columnar figures, I folded a sheet in basic accordion folds, joining the two ends of the sheet to make a column or tower. In a typical accordion folded sheet the folds are parallel, but I alternated the widths of the ends of the folds, short, long, short. When the two outside edges were joined, the columns thus formed had a twisted character.
I also tried different proportions of the two ends of the individual segments and changed the number of folds on a sheet of paper. These changes created variations in the structures and appearances of the different columns. I left their tops and bottoms open.
Instead of crinkling paper, as in the earlier plaster cast columnar figures, I folded a sheet in basic accordion folds, joining the two ends of the sheet to make a column or tower. In a typical accordion folded sheet the folds are parallel, but I alternated the widths of the ends of the folds, short, long, short. When the two outside edges were joined, the columns thus formed had a twisted character.
I also tried different proportions of the two ends of the individual segments and changed the number of folds on a sheet of paper. These changes created variations in the structures and appearances of the different columns. I left their tops and bottoms open.
Drawing of the folding pattern and base of a 10-faceted paper column.
I then made some columns with all similar segments, still wider on one end and narrower on the other and still folded in alternate directions. I again varied the number of segments and the height and proportion of the columns.
They looked very similar, but I was looking for the best versions. The ones that had uniform segments were very calm and classical in feeling, and the ones with random changes in segment sizes were more active, asymmetrical, sometimes leaning one way or another, depending of the point of view. I thought that for a tall freestanding column to be dynamic beyond its twisted character, presenting both rhythm and surprise as one viewed it from different directions, it was necessary to vary the sizes and proportions of its segments.
They looked very similar, but I was looking for the best versions. The ones that had uniform segments were very calm and classical in feeling, and the ones with random changes in segment sizes were more active, asymmetrical, sometimes leaning one way or another, depending of the point of view. I thought that for a tall freestanding column to be dynamic beyond its twisted character, presenting both rhythm and surprise as one viewed it from different directions, it was necessary to vary the sizes and proportions of its segments.
A small column, 8 ½" high (3 views)
The distinct segments of this pattern present a varied configuration to the column.
The distinct segments of this pattern present a varied configuration to the column.
View of the base of the small column above.
I started making tops and bottoms for these columns, to keep the paper from distortion. These ends turned out to be star shaped, the number of points of the star depending on the number of facets. If the facets were of the same size, the star was regular.
Two different columns, 12" high, and their bases.
Though at this point I have not gotten further than the paper sketches, I am thinking about making them as translucent columns illuminated from within. While they look quite elegant and lucid in their white paper skins, I think they would work well enlarged singly or in groups in various configurations in a public space.
Two columns, 18" high