Origami expert makes dragons in various poses for CNY

WHAT began as a form of amusement during mundane meetings became a hobby and creative outlet for Chua Toh Khoong who was born in the Year of the Dragon.

“I made my first dragon origami, which was a Hai Long Wang (Sea Dragon King), 12 years ago. It was during a staff meeting so I had to do it secretly. I felt a sense of achievement when I completed the craft and that spurred my interest in origami,” he said.

He had since made various origami and came up with different designs of origami dragons. He has made dragons in different positions such as running, flying and even one doing a handstand.

A simple design can be completed within 10 minutes while his most complicated one took him two days.

The former architecture illustrator gives water-colour lessons to schoolchildren, but he teaches them origami when they are bored.

During the interview, he was seen giving pointers to his students who were making origami dragons in conjunction with the upcoming Chinese New Year.

The 48-year-old was born in the Year of the Dragon but that was not the reason that he makes origami dragon; it is more of a hobby and a sense of fulfilment.

Among the tips he offered are to avoid too many mistakes to prevent creases on the paper and to fold according to the line.

“One needs patience, good judgement and confidence when making origami.

“It is important to think before you start,” he said.

Chua showed StarMetro the simplest design of the Big Head Dragon but believe me, it could be quite a challenge for first-timers.

To make the dragon, you would need glue, A4-size paper, and scissors. You can use beads for the eyes or just use rolled-up pieces of paper.

To learn how to make it, check out the video on www.thestar.com.my

His art class is located at No 36-2A, Jalan Temenggung 7/9, Bandar Mahkota Cheras, Section 9, 43200 Cheras (next to Ayamas). Tel: [phone].