Wet-folding

Wet-folding is an origami technique developed by Akira Yoshizawa that employs water to dampen the paper so that it can be manipulated more easily. This process adds an element of sculpture to origami, which is otherwise purely geometric. Wet-folding is used very often by professional folders for non-geometric origami, such as animals. Wet-folders usually employ thicker paper than would usually be used for normal origami, to ensure that the paper does not tear.

One of the most prominent folders who uses the wet-folding technique is Eric Joisel. He specializes in animals, people, and mythological creatures (i.e. faeries). He also has created very beautiful origami masks. Robert J. Lang and John Montroll also practice this technique.

The process of wet-folding allows a folder to preserve a curved shape more easily. It also reduces the number of wrinkles substantially. Wet-folding allows for increased rigidity and structure due to a process called "sizing". Sizing is a water-soluble adhesive, usually methylcellulose or methyl acetate that may be added during the manufacture of the paper. As the paper dries, the chemical bonds the fibers of the paper tighter together which results in a crisper and stronger sheet. In order to moisten the paper, an artist typically wipes the sheet with a dampened cloth. The amount of moisture added to the paper is crucial, because too little will cause the paper to dry quickly and spring back into its original position before the folding is complete, but too much will fray the edges of the paper or will cause the paper to split at high-stress points.

External links

* [http://www.ericjoisel.com/ Eric Joisel's website]
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HTB_n-hR6VY Mini-documentary about Joisel] at YouTube