Ep 3. Paper Sculptures
- October 13, 2018
Innovation Nation season 5 episode 3, titled "Paper Sculptures," explores the world of paper and the incredible things that can be made with it. Host Mo Rocca takes viewers on a journey to meet artists, engineers, and designers who use paper to create a wide variety of sculptures and products.
The episode begins by introducing artist Jeff Nishinaka, who specializes in creating intricate paper sculptures. Nishinaka explains his process and how he manipulates paper to make it look like other materials such as metal or fabric. Viewers get a firsthand look at Nishinaka's workspace and see some of his amazing creations up close.
Next, Rocca meets with engineer Demetrios Leontaris, who has developed a new type of paper that is not only durable but also waterproof. Leontaris discusses the potential applications for this new paper material, including using it in outdoor signage and even for building homes in disaster-prone areas.
The episode then shifts to the world of origami, with Rocca visiting artist Robert Lang. Lang explains his passion for origami and demonstrates how he creates incredibly complex designs using nothing but a single sheet of paper. Viewers will be amazed at the level of detail and precision that goes into Lang's work.
Moving on from traditional origami, Rocca also explores the world of "wet-folding," a technique where artists dampen paper to make it more pliable. He meets with artist Brian Chan, who shares his process for creating lifelike animal sculptures using this technique. Rocca also gets a chance to try wet-folding himself, with mixed results.
The episode wraps up with a look at the world of paper engineering, specifically pop-up books. Rocca meets with artist Matthew Reinhart, who creates incredibly complex and detailed pop-up books that are a true work of art. Viewers will see some of his creations up close and even get a glimpse at how the pop-up mechanisms work.
Overall, "Paper Sculptures" is a fascinating look at the many creative ways that paper can be used to create beautiful and intricate designs. From delicate sculptures to durable building materials, there seems to be no limit to what can be accomplished with this versatile material.
