I thought "Between the Folds" was going to be a nice little movie about everyday origami, but it was much much more. It was a combination of art, science, math, nature and human interest. Every segment was interesting, and it stayed that way throughout the movie.
Quoting from the synopsis on the movie's website:
"Between the Folds chronicles the stories of ten fine artists and intrepid theoretical scientists who have abandoned careers and scoffed at hard–earned graduate degrees—all to forge unconventional lives as modern–day paperfolders. As they converge on the unlikely medium of origami, these artists and scientists reinterpret the world in paper, and bring forth a bold mix of sensibilities towards art, expressiveness, creativity and meaning. And, together these offbeat and provocative minds demonstrate the innumerable ways that art and science come to bear as we struggle to understand and honor the world around us—as artists, scientists, creators, collaborators, preservers, and simply curious beings." Read more.
These different people fold paper in ways that are simply amazing. One creates his own paper, which he demonstrates in the movie, and then he goes on to use his paper to highlight it's attributes. A few fold paper that could easily be confused with clay sculptures when completed because of the soft edges.
Two different techniques blew me away. One paper folder colored his paper creations with pastels while working on them. His pieces looked like a combination of clay and fabric basketry, because of the way he manipulated the color and texture of the pastels, and his paper. One other folder created incredibly complex folded pieces that when finished start out flat and can easily expand like a closed flower opening up. I can't find the right words to explain it. You just have to see it for yourself.
If you watch Between the Folds, be sure to watch the extras. It's a collection of short clips that didn't make it in the movie, but are really worth your time.
I highly recommend the movie Between the Folds.
