Expert Interview

For once I’m ahead of the game. Surprising, right? It’s actually pretty nice to know that the interview component of this project is over and done with rather than looming over my head. The expert I chose to interview is Robert Lang who I briefly discussed in an earlier post. I figured I’d go ahead and give you a brief, but more in-depth look at who he is as well as include his TED Talk (shown below).


Robert Lang has been a student of origami for more than forty years and is recognized as one of the world’s leading masters of the art. He’s had over 500 of his designs cataloged and diagrammed, with these designs being known for their realism and attention to detail. He currently gives lectures on origami and how it relates to math, science, and technology as well as teaches workshops on the techniques and applications of folding in industrial design.

Included below are some of his designs. (Keep in mind these only use a single piece of paper!)

White Rhinoceros 

Invicta

Organist

Now onto the interview…

1.      How did you become interested in origami?

I started at age six, when I found some instructions in a book of crafts.

2.      What do you enjoy most about origami? What about it has sustained your interest in it?

It’s the same thing: the endless variety of what’s possible from what seems like such simple and material: an uncut sheet of paper.

3.      The majority of your work/research deals with the mathematical aspects of origami, so I’m curious as to whether or not you view origami as more of an art form or more of a science?

I don’t. Some origami figures are more mathematical, some are more artistic, but there’s no sweeping generalization that describes all origami.

4.      What do you see as the future of origami?

Ever greater expansion in multiple directions: new subjects, new materials, new sizes and scales, new methods of folding.

5.      Are there any new concepts or ideas you have in mind as to what you would like to do with origami next?

Right now I’m particularly interested in the mathematics of curved folding, so that’s probably what I’ll next be working n.

6.      In April I will be giving a TED Talk-type presentation for this project (4-5 minutes long, explaining my passion for origami and my process for creating my final product, an origami mobile composed of the various pieces I make throughout the project). Having done a TED Talk yourself, what would be your main tips or suggestions?

Speak conversationally, like you were explaining to a friend. Don’t read a written statement. (Definitely don’t read your slides to the audience!)

Interested in learning more? You can visit Robert Lang's website at: http://www.langorigami.com/

If you have any suggestion for follow-up questions, he agreed to answer any future inquires, so have at it.