 |
From Left of picture to right: Lim Hee Sen, lady (sorry do not know her name), Robert Choy (standing behind), Kazuo Kobayashi, Francis Ow (behind), Chan Yew Meng, Leong Cheng Chit, Aw Kum Seng Kobayashi is holding a T-rex created and folded by Cheng Chit. My present is in a small brown box in front, on the table. |
Now to introduce the man himself. The best way is to use his card:
|
|
His folding style has me mesmerised. His hand movements were slow, coordinated and smooth, yet he folds at a speed that is blindingly fast and deceptive. His folding movements reminds me of the hand of a magician, slowly and smoothly and before you realised it, he has a completed model at his hands!
We met Francis later at 2.45. We paid another visit at the exhibition at Books Kinokuniya before proceeding to the demonstration at Library@Orchard. Kobayashi sensei waved to Francis when he saw him from afar. It was a meeting of old friends who respected one another. Myself and Yew Meng were then introduced to him. Francis gave him a present, Francis's latest creations properly mounted. Kobayashi quickly put it on display at the central table. Cheng Chit came later, was introduced and gave him some origami models too, Cheng Chit's creations. I gave him a Tomoko's mask folded using Kobasyashi paper after the demonstration.
Other members of our group came later,
Robert Choy with his daughter and Aw Kum Seng. Ronald could not make it
due to work commitments.
 |
Moving Lips, a model taught by Kobayashi |
Next we were treated to Kobayashi sensei's magical origami. He amazed many audiences with his style and finesse. He had the audience laughing through the demonstration was well. He taught a few models.
After the demonstration, we took
a few pictures.
 |
From left of picture to right
Francis Ow, Kazuo Kobayashi, Lim Hee Sen, Robert Choy
Kobayashi showing the Tomoko mask I had folded for him as a present. |
We were all impressed by his humble unassuming man.
27th August 2000
All of us returned the next day
together with Ronald. We went early hoping to catch Kobayashi sensei early
and talk to him. Paul Ee were there with his family. Later Brigitte came
with her family too.
Kobayashi sensei gave his usual dazzling display. Words describing the event failed miserably to describe the occasion. You just have to be there.
Ronald gave Kobayashi his award winning
Rocking Horse and Blackmoor Goldfish. Later another golden Blackmoor Goldfish
was given during the drink at Mandarin Hotel and Kobayashi requested Ronald
to sign on it.
 |
At the cafe section of Library@Orchard after the demonstration
From the picture's left to right: Kazuo Kobayashi, Lim Hee Sen, Ronald Koh, Leong Chit Chit, Francis Ow |
After the demonstration, we took
him to Mandarin hotel for a drink and a chit chat. Kobayashi requested
us to participate in his future exhibitions and demonstrations in Singapore.
In addition, he gave us a list of origami exhibition dates in Japan and
invited us to participate with him. We can send him our models and he will
coordinate. Later we parted company, Cheng Chit and Francis Ow sent Kobayashi
to his hotel.
 |
At Mandarin Hotel having a drink and chit chat.
From the picture's left to right: Standing behind:
In front:
|
|
|
