L'Escrimeur (The Fencer) is based on a model designed by Boice Wong. This model stands as a testament to the kindness and welcoming nature of the origami community. During the dinner at PCOC 2023, I asked Boice if he could design an origami saber fencer for me, as I was not yet skilled in designing origami myself. Although Boice barely knew me, he graciously agreed to design the model. By the next morning, he had already sent me the crease pattern (CP)!
The design itself has not been folded by its creator. As the interpreter of this design, with no references to guide me, I explored the arrangement of flaps to create a detailed figure of a saber fencer, incorporating insights from my personal experience as a saber fencer.
The model tells the story of a fencer, fatigued after an exhausting bout and about to begin a new one. He gazes into the distance, searching for strength. His right hand loosely grips the saber, while his mask is cradled limply in his left hand.
The original design did not account for these expressive details. I added the mask, sculpting realistic fingers to grip it with a limp hold. Similarly, I pointed the saber downward in the right hand to convey fatigue from the previous bout. The fencer’s upward, distant gaze symbolizes weariness, yet also conveys a sense of calm as he gathers strength for the next round.
The fingers on the right hand were crafted by spreading accordion pleats and sculpting them into finger-like forms. The placid expression on the face was achieved by curving extra flaps to capture subtle emotion.
This model deviates from the original design by introducing fingers on the right hand, detailed facial features, and the mask held in the left hand—all of which were absent in the initial concept. These additions, made during the final stages of shaping, blur the line between structural origami and sculpting. My attempt to bring hyper-realism through these details reflects my vision for L'Escrimeur.
The design itself has not been folded by its creator. As the interpreter of this design, with no references to guide me, I explored the arrangement of flaps to create a detailed figure of a saber fencer, incorporating insights from my personal experience as a saber fencer.
The model tells the story of a fencer, fatigued after an exhausting bout and about to begin a new one. He gazes into the distance, searching for strength. His right hand loosely grips the saber, while his mask is cradled limply in his left hand.
The original design did not account for these expressive details. I added the mask, sculpting realistic fingers to grip it with a limp hold. Similarly, I pointed the saber downward in the right hand to convey fatigue from the previous bout. The fencer’s upward, distant gaze symbolizes weariness, yet also conveys a sense of calm as he gathers strength for the next round.
The fingers on the right hand were crafted by spreading accordion pleats and sculpting them into finger-like forms. The placid expression on the face was achieved by curving extra flaps to capture subtle emotion.
This model deviates from the original design by introducing fingers on the right hand, detailed facial features, and the mask held in the left hand—all of which were absent in the initial concept. These additions, made during the final stages of shaping, blur the line between structural origami and sculpting. My attempt to bring hyper-realism through these details reflects my vision for L'Escrimeur.
Original Work
Interpretation
