As
all origami enthusiasts will be aware, there has been an "underground
origami" site around for some years. Despite some
criticism and mockery, Zack has continued to expand his site and long
may he continue. His efforts led to a number of publishers approaching
me to put a book together on the subject. One simply lifted the designs
from the web and published them, to their cost. I'd been "featured"
in a book called "Men and Models" by New Holland Publishing
and exchanged some friendly emails with their top bod, Gareth, about
possible follow-up
titles. As things do, we got around to discussing adult origami and
history was in the making.
Working to a remarkably relaxed schedule, I had free rein to provide
whatever text and artwork I felt suitable. Amazingly, 95% of it was
accepted. The American publisher did put their foot down on the "lonely
shepherd by moonlight" image. Otherwise it's ended up pretty
much how I intended, complete with a
carefully-researched
history section.
I contacted the few origami designers who dare to
admit they design this kind of thing and was delighted when Marc Kirschenbaum
allowed me to use one of his designs ("coupling"). This doubled
the pain I felt when I realised he hadn't been credited in the book - an oversight
I deeply regret. In addition, I was lucky to include Kunihiko Kasahara's beautiful "mons".
The others are my designs, although there are similar ideas knocking about out
there. Here's some samples.
 |
 |
 |
The Mons
Schwanstucker
Condomigami
Tradesman's entrance
Erupting Mount Fuji
Bermuda triangle
|
A glimpse of paradise
Sperm
Boobs
Coupling
Subtle Ploy |
Where's the magic bean?
Randy rabbits
Going down
French tickler
Memphis Bell |
Something for everyone, I'm sure you'll agree. Now the question on
your mind is "what's an upright, cultured & refined paper-folder like
yourself doing with all this porno nonsense? Well, it ain't pornography.
Not as I understand it anyway!
It's not designed to, and is very unlikely
to titillate. It's folded for laughs (although I like to think the
origami designs are carefully designed and elegant to fold) and if
it isn't your cup of tea, that's fine, don't buy it! However, I think
origami, for all its attractions, can tend to get a bit po-faced
and lacking in humour from time to time. I see it as my task to try
and generate the odd
smile wherever
I get the chance. Art should have humour, it should have challenging
subjects and yes, it should have boobs and willies. So should origami!
We
agonised over the cover and they came up with what I think is a
highly tasteful and classy cover. The American version
has a different title and a less classy cover. Still, these people
must know their market. Dedicated adult origamians will clearly
want to own both versions, even though the contents are, well,
identical.
It's been fascinating doing a google to see how the books
are being pushed. Somebody's blog asked the question; "who bothers
to sit down and write this kind of stuff?" If they search about, they'll
find out it was me. It's being carefully targetted - this advert
appears on a site for children called "developing mind"! They may develop
other attributes as well after reading this ;)