K Katsuta

1197: Java Sparrow

| wonko

The Java Sparrow is a type of Finch, and is characterised by some very brightly coloured but well confined patches of colour. It represents a challenge for an origami purist because it typically needs 4 colours, and paper is usually (at most) duo colour:

The approach of this model, like a few in Kyohei Katsuta’s repertoire, is to use multiple (in this case 2) sheets of paper folded in together to give you access to the double colour pallet.

You know that feeling you have seen something before – I get it in origami a lot. I was sure I had seen a “Java Sparrow” before, and was sure it was in a Robert Harbin book from my youth, turns out the one I actually remembered was in an equally old book I had as a kid (and still own) “Origami” by Toyoaki Kawai which I remember clearly used a colour change “cheat” that involved colouring in parts of the square strategically with colours that would be presentation areas in the final fold. This “technique” is currently called “Kimiroing” because a modern designer (Kimiro) uses little laminated (or sometimes painted) colour patches to achieve tightly controlled colour change in some of his models sometimes.

I searched my stash for suitable paper and settled on blue/black thick Shadow Thai, and orange/white Yukogami, cut 25cm squares of each and then set about nursing the thick papers through a lovely but precise sequence.

Although uniaxial (bi-symmetrical along a long axis), the shaping ensures the model does not spread open like so many in that ilk. The legs are really fine – a little too thin to support the model weight, but I will probably mount it on a wire armature to fix that. The sequence lets you use quite thick paper while still managing the layer build-up well. Even though I struggled to get a square of Yukogami that was actually square because of the rough texture, the results of the mixed paper types give the model the illusion of a fluffy tummy, scaly feet and smooth flight feathers.

I really love the result, and think it a good display model for my next cabinet exhibition.

1189: Chook

| wonko

As often happens, I was approached by a mate to fold a model for him (MJ) – he wanted a “Chook” for a surprise gift for his wife (Nikki) on her birthday. I love a challenge, so began looking for the best origami chook.

Turns out there are LOTS of roosters out there, but relatively few hens that looks like hens – I wanted feathers, volume and a playful but realistic chookiness and found in Makoto Yamaguchi’s beautiful book “Transcendent Origami”, a chicken designed by Kyohei Katsuta that I knew I needed to fold because it was perfect.

After doing a test fold, it became apparent that it was a 2-part model (top half has the rings and tail, comb and wattle) and the bottom half has the legs, beak and fluffy bum. It is a colour change model so with some careful “Kimiroing” I was able to use 2 sheets of glorious black spattered Shadow Thai (from origami-shop.com) that has Rorschach-like inkblots on one side, black mulberry on the back. The black was perfect for feet and beak. I laminated some red Kozo in the spot that would become the comb and wattle and I was away.

From my test fold, I was able to guestimate the paper size to make the chook more or less life-size – well, more of a bantam, but large enough for my purposes.

Continue reading →

1183: Blakiston’s Fish Owl

| wonko

Like many paper folders, I have a list of models awaiting folding, and this one has been on it for years:

This is Kyohei Katsuta’s delicious design of a “Blakiston’s Fish Owl”, an endangered species and one of the largest owls around.

I took a 90cm square of Kraft paper and, using my usual mantra of “fold until it is finished or it fails” I set off. After a 12 grid, with partial 24th is set, a few strategic diagonals, you then embark on a really fun collapse sequence to arrive at the base.

This model is a study in strategic deployment of layers – the feathers, body volume, features – all of it comes form considered deployment of the accrued layers from the collapse. It is nothing short of a masterpiece.

I am happy with my fold – I will probably return to refold it at some time with nicer paper but it stands an important test for me – a “good” model in my opinion looks good rendered in plain paper. I could have spread the chest feathers a bit more I guess (although I tried and did not really see a way to achieve this), but the overall morphology if the model is pleasing.

Continue reading →