Paper Bird (MET TTP 2018)
8. Paper Bird
This piece was based on the works of Theo Jansen and his Strandbeests which informed the movement within the design.
The wings follow the basic design of the legs in Jansen's work so it would keep the same fluid movement. This originally was going to be powered by a cog design but this got in the way aesthetically and functionally.
When this element was lost, we felt it was needed to add another kinetic feature in the tail. We added a piece to the back so when wearing the bird you could flex your wrist and it would move with you.
By using paper, it kept the piece light and functional as a finger puppet while also giving it a delicate appearance. During the second stage of the project, the design of the head developed by adding the head feathers. This was something that the manufacturing group had added in as it complemented the piece well.
