Francene Levinson 

Contemporary Paper Sculptures

Chinese unit paper folding, “Zhe Zhi", has influenced my sculptural efforts to create abstract contemporary paper sculpture.

 Paper was invented in China by Tsai Lun in 150 C.E. Knowledge of paper making  and the technique of folding it to create forms, was spread throughout Asia by Buddhist monks performing their rituals and ceremonies. The Japanese people fell in love with paper making when the Buddhist Monks arrived in Japan around 750 C.E.  Eventually, the art of paper folding became world famous as Japanese Origami.

The original Chinese paper folding technique I use is called Zhe Zhi. It is modular in nature. Since I use it as a fine art sculptural medium,  it may contain as many as 3500 pieces of paper. Modular Zhe Zhi is also well known as an Asian folk art outside of China in Japan, Thailand, and the Philippines. In the United States many know it as Golden Venture Art and 3D Origami

Creating abstract contemporary sculpture from flat paper is a challenge that consistently reveals the power of paper.

I hope you enjoy my site!

Francene Levinson