Gravity...Paper...Scissors...

Paper is such a versatile medium. The most obvious use is to write or draw on, however, paper can be used to create a seemingly infinite number of possibilities. 

In fact, I felt overwhelmed because there were so many possibilities to consider with paper. After consulting my handy sketchbook, I focused on paper tension and gravity. I think tension is one aspect of paper that people tend to overlook.

The above examples were made with simple paper strips cut into different widths and lengths.

The lamp was created by simply cutting out strips of paper in decreasing lengths. I then bent and glued each strip to itself, which created a loop. I then proceeded to attach the loops to each other and created a shell-like shape. The tension of paper allowed the loops to keep their form. The changes in length also helped to allow light to flow through in an interesting way.

The other piece was created by a single, large piece of paper. I cut thin lines with an X-acto blade in varying lengths. Thats it! Just like that, this paper turned into a work of art through tension between the cut paper and gravity. This project changes form when folded in different ways.

These projects opened up a new perspective on using simple objects to create art.

I challenge you to take everyday objects and transform them into something unique. Hint* A little bit of imagination will go a long way!