Matt Shlian started school as a ceramicist, but it was only when he realized that he was “interested in everything” that his work really took off.
He creates sculptural artworks from flat pieces of paper that show the incredible diversity of the medium while creating beautifully inspiring forms. They are also doing something rather surprising: inspiring scientists.
Along with a team at the University of Michigan he won the NSF (National Science Foundation) award on a nano-origami project that combines both art and engineering.
In the process he’s using his art to help others understand the flexible nature of nano-structures. It’s not the first thing you think of when it comes to cutting and folding paper.
Shlian’s process is an interesting one, and one that other creatives should take note of: he often works within a series of limitations.
“For example on one piece I’ll only use curved folds, or make my lines this length or that angle etc,” he tells Strictly Paper. “Other times I begin with an idea for movement and try to achieve that shape or form somehow. Along the way something usually goes wrong and a mistake becomes more interesting than the original idea and I work with that instead.”
For more About this impressive and unconventional artist see his Tedx Talk and video with Ghostly International:
& visit Matt Shlian Official Website .
