The pioneer of Origami died

Japanese Origami artist Akira Yoshizawa died this week; his death was listed in the obituary section of the newspaper and on the web in the normal fashion. But I found this big page write up on the Times website in the UK. Since it is a Japanese death, it was a big article relatively speaking; I suppose it could indicate the popularity of Origami in foreign countries. Some sites said Origami originated in Japan, actually the word Origami is Japanese, but some said it came from China to Japan. And as for paper folding, other nations have their own histories regarding this craft too.

As a pioneer of origami, Akira Yoshizawa's method and technique became a topic of conversation. Here are his origami arts, rabbit, sparrow, mouse, Japanese monkey, Children in snow. All of them are so simple, but I feel they are showing one of the essential qualities of Origami, I can imagine this scene of a mom with a quiet smile folding a bit of paper for her child, The child's eyes grow wide with wonder as he watches his mother' s hand create something. Yoshizawa's origami seems to have this warmness, a kind heart, and a sensitive delicacy. Here is a message from him earilier this year.

Anyway contemporary Origami has evolved in to a new field of Fine Arts, and I think some of the foreign artists create great origami. I love seeing this work by Robert J. Lung, his origami captures not only the shape, but each animal's defining features and life styles.　Joseph Wu's work is comical and funny, over all a very happy style. This is contemporary Japanese artist Kitajo's site.　His origami has a literary charm. And their Origami is a new type which breaks some of the traditional rules of Origami.　If you want to see more Origami, this link is really great.　If you want to create your own Origami, this Japanese site has animations and pictures showing how to create it. Ah this post's King Ghidorah is my friend's creation. He shows how to make it on his HP. Please check it out!

Comments

[Mari]

Hi huang
I did not know that until I read BBC news too!

Hi Orange
Thank you for your great link, I do not have interest to fold paper, but looking at nice origami is very fun.

Hi AB
Yes maybe they are artist, their book or their lesson? their exhibition? is valuable I think.

[huang]

I knew origami was quintessentially Japanese but I didn't know till this post of Mari's that a particular person started this art of paperfolding.

Sadly, I do not see many kids these days with any knowledge of origami.

[orange]

sorry. forgot the link: http://www.origamiboulder.com/questions.htm

[orange]

Here is another great origami site. Probably the best one I have ever seen.

[AzianBrewer]

Joseph Wu has a interesting website. Are these origamists professional??? I didn't know that you can make a living folding papers and other materials.