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In 2015, paper artist Cristian Marianciuc set an ambitious goal for himself: to complete 1,000 origami cranes in 1,000 days. Since achieving this objective, Marianciuc has continued crafting the cranes, culminating in a growing collection of equally elaborate and increasingly experimental paper sculptures.
Like the pieces he created during his 1,000-day challenge, Marianciuc’s more recent cranes showcase his eye for detail, creative use of color, and imaginative approach to traditional origami. However, without the pressure of filling a quota or meeting deadlines, he is able to play around with his artistic approach, setting these piece aesthetically apart.
“I never stopped folding and decorating new ones. It just wasn’t on a daily basis anymore,” he tells My Modern Met. “With this newly-found lack of time restraints, I focused more on exploring themes as techniques that I had wanted to explore but just didn’t have the time to do so.” More minute details and unbelievably intricate cuts characterize these newer models, making them his most ambitious creations yet.
While Marianciuc has also divulged that he will soon be starting a mini-series inspired by Japanese folklore, he also assures us that he has no plans of cutting out his crane practice.”I’m still just as fascinated with the art of origami, its symbolism and history, still as obsessed with flight and wings and feathers,” he tells us. “I thoroughly enjoy giving myself the time to create at a slower pace, and I am finding that I am able to listen much more closely to my instinct.”
You can leaf through Marianciuc’s paper cranes on Etsy.
Each paper crane design by Cristian Marianciuc features extraordinary details.
Some of his paper cranes are monochromatic, placing all of the emphasis on their intricate cuts and folds.
Others showcase Marianciuc’s eye for color…
…And pattern.
You can find these one-of-a-kind cranes in his Etsy shop, IcarusMidAir.
Cristian Marianciuc: Etsy | Facebook | Instagram
My Modern Met granted permission to use photos by Cristian Marianciuc.
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