Masaki Odaka, “Tobihana Aruki,”Ars Corporation/chokigallery提供
I heard there was someone creating amazing works out of cardboard, so I went to meet him.
It was true.
His studio was lined with numerous works. Even from a distance, I could tell they were all created by the same person.
I heard he had appeared on TV many times and had even published books.
He was already a celebrity.
Masaki Odaka, *Bunpuku Chagama*Ars Corporation/chokigallery提供
He studied product design at the Kuwasawa Design School and has worked as a product designer.
When he built a house and moved in, he did crafts with his son—who was still in kindergarten at the time—using the cardboard boxes from the move. That was how it all began.
“Children are honest. They’ll say outright if something looks uncool.
As I experimented to meet my son’s requests, I picked up various techniques.”
Creating “Fur” with Scissors
So, how is that fur created? By simply cutting cardboard with scissors.
One by one, as if growing hair.
The thinly cut cardboard catches the light. Shadows overlap.
Through this layering, the strands of cardboard become “fur.”
Masaki Odaka, *Oosukashiba*Ars Corporation/chokigallery提供
Ten years have passed since then. His son began helping me with my creative work and TV appearances.
They even published a book together. It’s a book for parents and children to enjoy crafting together.
The creative work we started as a duo continues to this day, gradually evolving in form.
by Takeshi Kikkawa
Ars Corporation/chokigallery提供
Gallery
Monkfish
Kappa (Adult)
Dragon
Tonttu and the Christmas Wreath
Masaki Odaka @colonel_odonger
What kind of paper do you use?
I use the thinnest type of corrugated cardboard, called “G-flute,” which is about 0.9 mm thick.
Since it’s difficult to bend corrugated cardboard, I create the curves by misting it with water.
What tools do you rely on most?
[G Classic] Ars Nouveau Long Arm GC-380
I open and close the scissors thousands of times to create a single piece. I developed tendinitis.
I consulted with Ars Corporation, and they recommended these scissors to me.
The long arm uses the principle of leverage to easily cut through hard cardboard.
It’s no exaggeration to say that I couldn’t create my work without them.