On Cuts and Folds Back to Journal →

Tuesday, November 12, 2024

I recently went down a textbook, multi-hour Wikipedia trail while in research mode for family gift ideas. Somewhere along the way I came across the term kirigami, which I’d never heard before.

Now, I’ve known about - and had a lot of fun with - origami since I was little, but kirigami? The differences between the two really got me thinking about more than paper.

With origami, it’s all about folding, no cutting allowed. It teaches us how to work within limits, turning one plain piece into something beautiful. It’s a great reminder that even when life feels rigid, creativity and patience can help us make the most of what we’ve got.

But with kirigami, cutting is part of the process. This art shows us that sometimes, you’ve got to let go of a piece to create something even better. The cuts may feel permanent, but they open up space for new ideas, perspectives, and growth.

I suppose the secret sauce is in knowing when to fold and when to cut. Life isn’t always perfect, but whether you’re bending or carving, every step shapes one’s story.

In the end, it’s all about turning the simple into something meaningful.