Origami Under the Sea by Robert Lang
In Origami Under the Sea, John Montroll and Robert J. Lang have collaborated to produce a truly elegant work. The pages of this book contain some of the most creative origami published to date. Each project is accompanied by a biological sketch of the animal to enhance the visual description. There are 26 models in all, ranging from the lowly barnacle to the mighty whale. In between are to be found a cuttlefish, angelfish, lionfish, and blue crab, to name but a few of these unusual origami figures.
Each model is illustrated with step-by-step instructions, using the unique folds that make each of these animals so lifelike. Beginner and experts alike will find hours of creative fun in these pages. Origami Under the Sea also includes a summary of the history of origami sea life.
5 Questions with John Montroll: An Exclusive Dover Interview
We sat down with Mr. Montroll to discuss his influences, the impact of math on origami, and what he sees for the future of the artform.
How did you first get interested in origami and what were your influences?
I was four when a Japanese neighbor taught me origami. At six, I had some books, showing the Japanese style.
Where do you find the inspiration for your original models?
The models in the books were made by folding, cutting, using multiple sheets, and sometimes from non-square paper. I wanted to make origami where each model could be folded from a single uncut square so I had to make them up. Since I started as a child, creating was natural. Whatever I wanted to fold, I would make up. There was nothing great about my models, but I enjoyed exploring and found there was no end. In time, my work evolved as I discovered more techniques, and also philosophies, in the quality of origami. Now I can say that developing new, theme-related ideas and writing books gives me inspiration.
Do you think that there is a strong relationship between origami and mathematics?
Yes. There is much math -- geometry, algebra, trigonometry, etc. -- in the structure of folding which can be used to develop and control the folding methods and designs. Math is especially used in my Dover books Origami and Math and Classic Polyhedra Origami. Still, math is not essential and there are many aspects of origami that do not use math. Even if math was used in the design of a model, the folder need not understand it.
As a teacher, do you integrate origami into your lesson plans?
As a math teacher, I can say students love doing origami! Sometimes, if my students finish their class work early, I let them fold from my books. Or we have some days, such as before vacations, where we do origami. But I will admit that I do not use origami as part of the math lesson!
What new directions do you think the art of origami will be taking in the future?
In the past few decades, origami has made huge developments in many directions. More people are involved, more ideas have been explored, all with more styles and techniques. The future will reveal newer directions for more people to explore and find their particular interest.
Bonus Question!
Do you have a favorite Dover book?
I actually have two favorites, both by Beethoven: Complete Piano Sonatas, Volume Iand Complete Piano Sonatas, Volume. II. I enjoy playing his work and these books are well tattered!
| SKU | Unavailable |
| ISBN 13 | 9780486477848 |
| ISBN 10 | 0486477843 |
| Title | Origami Under the Sea |
| Author | Robert Lang |
| Series | Dover Origami Papercraft |
| Condition | Unavailable |
| Binding Type | Paperback |
| Publisher | Dover Publications Inc. |
| Year published | 2010-07-21 |
| Number of pages | 120 |
| Cover note | Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary. |
| Note | Unavailable |