Our July theme is mapfolds.
The classic mapfolds used in many artists’ books start off from two basic units – one triangular and one square. These basic folds are then adapted to give classic unfolding structures that display the whole sheet flat when pulled open. There are many variations possible but here are the basics.
Triangular Squash Fold
Similar to the “waterbomb” base in origami.
Turkish Mapfold
Taking the triangular squashfold as a base, the points are folded to the center of the open edge – forming a “house” shape.
Square Squash Fold
Similar to the “frog” base in origami. Also known as a “Stauche” fold a “petal” fold and a “blossom” fold.
Hungarian Mapfold
Taking the square squashfold as a starting base the points are folded to the center of the closed edge – forming a “lozenge” shape.
The corner points can be folded further to produce a “house” shape.
From Fold to Book
Build up the individual units into interestingly shaped books. Use glue or stitching to add them to the folds of a concertina or onto book pages. Folding individual prints works well as when open the full expanse of the work may be seen. Units of different sizes can be combined to further vary the possible forms.
The sculptural folds can be displayed in a variety of decorative shapes when closed and open, while retaining the original function of being able to show the larger sheets unfolded flat.
The examples here use square paper but thes folds can also be applied to rectangular sheets or even circles. The units can also be attached at different places to form yet more variations. The example below alternates the units from front to back and is sometimes known as a “dragon book”.
