The Power of the Paperback

Paper Crafted Sculptures by Todd Watts

Watts' inspiration for this project stemmed from his rediscovery of reading books during a period without internet connection. Reflecting on his all-time favorite book, "Animal Farm" by George Orwell, Watts realized the power of literature to convey complex ideas in a digestible and engaging manner. This sparked his desire to challenge himself with a passion project using paper craft to bring these stories to life.

What sets "The Power of the Paperback" apart is the medium itself. Working with paper presents unique challenges, but Watts embraces them to create intricate, 3D paper models that capture the essence of each book. Whether free-standing or hoisted into place, the sculptures are meticulously crafted to represent key moments and themes from the stories.

Using a combination of paper, books, tape, glue, scissors, and fishing wire, Watts brings his designs to life. Each sculpture is carefully constructed, with weeks of trial and error involved in the process. From concept development to researching the chosen object and building rough templates, Watts ensures that the final result is a true representation of his vision.

The photographs of the sculptures are minimalistically retouched, allowing the paper craft elements to shine. Watts' goal is to depict the story inside the book, using the sculptures as a visual representation of the narrative. The attention to detail and the thoughtfulness behind each piece make "The Power of the Paperback" a truly unique and captivating project.

Since its completion in September 2016, "The Power of the Paperback" has garnered recognition and acclaim. In 2017, the project was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Fine Arts and Art Installation Design category. This prestigious award recognizes designs that exhibit strong technical and creative skills, contributing to improvements in quality of life.

Todd Watts' "The Power of the Paperback" is a testament to the enduring power of storytelling and the limitless possibilities of art and design. Through his paper crafted sculptures, Watts invites viewers to immerse themselves in the worlds of their favorite books and experience the magic of literature in a whole new way.