A few days ago, I made a comment in ID 1399 (Art of Making Fans) in response to Terence’s call for people with some skills they can share to step forward (something like that). I thought I should start a separate thread on the subject, as I seem to have gatecrashed (with apologies) into June Chin’s thread.
Basically, I have been involved in origami for many years, and would be able to conduct classes for SHCians if there is sufficient interest. However, I will only be in a position to start the classes at a later, yet undetermined date. So this is just a feeler, to gauge whether there is sufficient interest.
The history of origami – the art of paperfolding – is cloudy at best, but is believed to have originated in China with the invention of paper in or about 600BC (recent studies suggest that it could be much earlier). It is believed to have been introduced to Japan by Buddhist monks where it became part of Japanese ceremonies and culture. And where it got its name. For many years, the development of origami did not go beyond a few simple models that most of us are familar with. This changed after the Second World War, with the pioneering work of origami enthusiasts like Akira Yoshizawa, Robert Harbin, etc . Soon, origami gained popularity in the west, with origami societies sprouting first in the UK and USA, then much of Europe and parts of South America.
Since those early years, the development of origami has been nothing short of phenomenal. There are origami societies in almost every corner of the world today, many holding annual conventions and exhibitions that attract wide international participation. Amongst the ranks of origami enthusiasts today are numerous mathematicians, engineers, scientists, IT professionals, etc., who apply their professional training and skills to the further development of origami.
Today, origami is being exhibited in established art museums, gaining recognition as an art form in its own right. Origami is also used as a tool in education, physical and mental therapy, R & D, rehabilitation, and to bridge cultural, language and religious differences.
Origami is also an activity that can be enjoyed by everyone in the family, bonding grandparents, parents, children and grandchildren. And the family maid, bringing everyone together irrespective of differences in skill levels or subject preferences.
It allows individuals to challenge and express themselves intellectually and artistically, and perhaps attain a degree of self-actualization. More importantly, it is loads of fun.
Origami, anyone? :o)
Ron Koh
PS:
Some of my original origami creations can be viewed at http://design.origami.free.fr/bestof/koh/index.htm
Please also see also my comments at #48 and #57 at ID1399 – Art of making fans.
Update:
Following is the list of SHCians who have registered for the origami classes as at 23 May 2008:
- Peng Peng
- Annto
- L H Jie
- Gingko
- Boon Liang
- Joy
- Mary Chan
- Dennis Wee
- Veronique
- Eleanor Chan
- Suzhang
- Andrew Kuan
- Lee Ah Nee
- Caroline Gee
- Jackie Chin
- Renee Leong
- Cecilia Lim
- V Wong
- Dan Huang
- Ann Lim
- Norlinda
- Eileen Lee
- Grace Kok
- Grace Kang
- Grace Wong
- Cheng
- Dennis Har
- Alice Teo
- Wong Kong Thean
- Jessie Tan
- Bira
- Lina Ng
- Agnes Tan
- Patricia Lim
- Alicia Soh
- Andrew Yeung
- Catherine Yeo
- Jeremy Tan
- Margaret Chan
- Rose Yong
- Steven Chan
Numbers 1 to 8 of the above registered earlier at ID 1399. Please let me know if I have left anyone out.
Ron Koh




