How Do I Love Thee: Modeling
For my modeling activity, I tests my folding skills and created origami letters. I transformed a 2d piece of paper into a 3d letter shape. I created a few "abstract letters", while also mixing in some more traditional letters. Each of the letters was folded from instructions found at: http://en.origami-club.com/abc/index.html
I also captured some close up pictures in an attempt to capture some of the dimensions present in the origami letters:
The cognitive tool of modeling requires individuals to create a physical representation of their idea. Projects, ideas, and hypothesis can be established through a wide variety of models and materials, each with a separate purpose and function. I began exploring the different dimensions on this topic by first identifying large scale (common) models and representations of the letters of the alphabet. Alphabet magnets, foam letter pieces, and letters on the exterior of store buildings revealed themselves as models for the letters of the alphabet. Each serve a specific purpose, either with spelling and word formation, or identifying a store name. When I set out looking for the more minute letter details, I found raised letters on store bathroom signs, letters on a video game controller buttons, the letters “push” carved into a door handle, and the EXIT sign hanging above various doors. It was these smaller, hidden perspectives that most intrigued me.
For my representation of modeling the shapes of the alphabet, I chose to explore the art of origami. While I would tinker around with origami folding in my younger days, this assignment brought a new meaning to my task. I explored the aspect of dimensional thinking in creating a 3D model out of a 2D piece of paper. I found directions on the Internet (http://en.origami-club.com/abc/index.html) that featured 2D pictures and numerous dotted lines that represented “folds” on the paper. It was not until I began folding my first piece of paper that the true dimensions unfolded.
While I would love to say that the folding came naturally, it was not without “trial and error” that some of the shape dimensions revealed themselves to me. I spent a great deal of time adjusting the folds, backtracking through my steps, and even “starting again” to create an accurate depiction of each letter. I was blown away by the minute details that are present in a “simple” origami folding. The letters truly came to life as raised edges were created out of a simple line, creased corners create a crisp bend, and the stark white of the paper created a backdrop for each letter. I dabbled in creating letters that were traditional, and some that I consider “abstract.” This class has helped me to recognize the creative process that goes into creating such an abstract letter model out of a single piece of paper. What others may not have interpreted as a letter formation reveled itself effortlessly to my trained eye.
I created this representation as an alternative art form, but also a tool. My Kindergarten students manipulate models of letters on a weekly basis, through alphabet magnets, foam letter puzzle pieces, and letter blocks. But I wanted something else that could be used as a model, a piece of “art” that also represented each shape. This is again another way of exploring letter shapes (as well as flat shapes) that breaks the traditional paper and pencil method. It allows the creator to compose the letter shape and its elements with a sense of ownership. Along with it comes the duty to do each shape “justice” by creating the perfect creases, slants, and corners. It was through this that I was really able to open my eyes to the possibility of letter models and discovering the hidden details and models of everyday life.
For my representation of modeling the shapes of the alphabet, I chose to explore the art of origami. While I would tinker around with origami folding in my younger days, this assignment brought a new meaning to my task. I explored the aspect of dimensional thinking in creating a 3D model out of a 2D piece of paper. I found directions on the Internet (http://en.origami-club.com/abc/index.html) that featured 2D pictures and numerous dotted lines that represented “folds” on the paper. It was not until I began folding my first piece of paper that the true dimensions unfolded.
While I would love to say that the folding came naturally, it was not without “trial and error” that some of the shape dimensions revealed themselves to me. I spent a great deal of time adjusting the folds, backtracking through my steps, and even “starting again” to create an accurate depiction of each letter. I was blown away by the minute details that are present in a “simple” origami folding. The letters truly came to life as raised edges were created out of a simple line, creased corners create a crisp bend, and the stark white of the paper created a backdrop for each letter. I dabbled in creating letters that were traditional, and some that I consider “abstract.” This class has helped me to recognize the creative process that goes into creating such an abstract letter model out of a single piece of paper. What others may not have interpreted as a letter formation reveled itself effortlessly to my trained eye.
I created this representation as an alternative art form, but also a tool. My Kindergarten students manipulate models of letters on a weekly basis, through alphabet magnets, foam letter puzzle pieces, and letter blocks. But I wanted something else that could be used as a model, a piece of “art” that also represented each shape. This is again another way of exploring letter shapes (as well as flat shapes) that breaks the traditional paper and pencil method. It allows the creator to compose the letter shape and its elements with a sense of ownership. Along with it comes the duty to do each shape “justice” by creating the perfect creases, slants, and corners. It was through this that I was really able to open my eyes to the possibility of letter models and discovering the hidden details and models of everyday life.