Sharol Nau
A classical math problem, the so-called Paper Creasing Problem, deals
with the length of the crease that is minimized or maximized when a
rectangular sheet of paper is altered by folding one corner to some
point on the opposite edge. The length of the crease depends on the
distance between the folding corner and the opposite corner nearest to
it. This distance will be the parameter which naturally partitions
into several domains. Determining the precise position of those
optimal creases is what makes this problem of interest to
mathematicians. Artistically those as well as other selected creases
in between are also of interest when transforming a book into a
three-dimensional artwork.
Methodically folded pages, i.e. origamis, in a book take on graceful,
undulating wave patterns. The best books for this project are gently
used with good quality paper, bought by the bagful.
For this book-sculpture of several hundred pages, the shortest crease was obtained by folding the pages without separating them from the binding. Also the folding process began in the middle in an effort to achieve a symmetrical design.