Amazing sculptures - made from paper

Sinead explains the work her and Tony have been doing at the Northside

'Last week at Northside, the kids showed us the game they had developed 
with the previous artists. As we had no dice, the kids came up with 
new ways to play, using the materials available to them. They decided 
to draw numbers on paper, and pull them out of a bag. They came up 
with many ways of representing the numbers on paper with markers, 
using figures, letters, symbols, colours and patterns.

When we moved onto 3-D work with the paper, we explored stability and 
durability. Aiden made a series of single paper structures that were 
very vulnerable to any slight movement. This triggered a discussion on 
the suitability of materials designed for outdoor works and permanent 
sculptures as well as other considerations when designing for a public 
space. Using paper, tape and scissors, the group shared ideas and 
began creating wearable items, such as masks, watches, hats, 
jewellery, handbags, headbands, banners, boxing gloves and moved onto 
toys, boats, ice creams, kettles, teacups, books, envelopes, flags and 
more.

One goal has been to try and reach a little bean-bag that was stuck on 
the ceiling beam, by only using paper and tape. As we tried to make a 
long and strong paper stick to reach the ceiling, whenever it failed 
or broke, the kids transformed it into something else. Nathan used one 
to make a tail. Grace made a flag-pole. They also made it into a rope 
and they played skipping, limbo and tag. Rebecca gave us all an 
origami lesson where we made boats. Halim brought in a castle made 
from cigarette boxes and we discussed how the design could be 
replicated using paper.

As they were so interested and industrious with paper, we decided not 
to introduce wood or filming yet, so as not to interrupt the flow. 
They enjoyed sharing their designs and ideas and while they were 
mostly interested in working on individual pieces, there was a lot of 
co-operation. They helped each other often, passed on skills and 
information and were very inclusive in their games."