2022 Bridges Conference

Gabriel Frampton

Artists

Gabriel Frampton

Research Assistant

UT Austin Dell Medical School

Austin, Texas, USA

folded.crystals@gmail.com

https://www.instagram.com/foldedcrystals/

http://foldedcrystals.blogspot.com/

Statement

My origami work is an attempt to give ideal mathematical forms physical representation. Through years of experimentation, I developed a new method of weaving strips together to create geometrical shapes. This approach has the advantage of offering physical strength to the finished designs, which in effect become tensegrity sculptures. The intense forces contained within the structures have led me to use stronger materials over the years, from my initial paper experiments, to plastic-backed paper, to mylar, to my final choice of polyester film (sold under the brand name Dura-lar). This material is strong enough, and manufactured in large enough dimensions, to enable me to create enormous origami several feet in diameter.

Artworks

Image for entry '60 octahedrons in an icosidodecahedron lattice'

60 octahedrons in an icosidodecahedron lattice

12 x 13 x 11 cm

Dura-lar polyester film

2022

Additional info

This modular origami piece is a set of interlocking loops that form an icosidodecahedron. It is composed of 90 closed loops, 60 of which are octahedrons. The remaining 30 loops weave together these octahedrons into a lattice, which are divided into 240 overlapping segments, producing 300 pieces. Each piece is a narrow rectangle made of a row of equilateral triangles. There are six different types of strips of various lengths that are used in this design. No glue or other adhesives are used to hold the structure together. The pieces are assembled in a carefully-planned order, and the ends of each strip are hidden beneath layers of neighbouring pieces. The complete structure is very stable and strong, and will not sag or unravel.