About...

• ... these models
• ... origami
• ... the Gilford Library
• ... me

These Models

These models are pieces I've folded over the last 10 years or so, and saved for one reason or another. Many are particular favorites of mine, usually because each one is a particularly successful representation of the object or creature, or is funny, unique, cleverly designed, simply beautiful, or a combination of any or all of those things. I've tried to choose things from a wide range of subjects, with many different folding and design styles, and made from many different papers, to give an idea of how varied and flexible origami can be. I hope you enjoy the collection!

Origami

Origami is a Japanese word meaning "paper folding:" ori is from the verb oru, "to fold,"and gami is from the word kami, "paper." The term has been widely adopted in the West as the word for the art and craft of folding paper.

The exact origins of the craft are somewhat obscure, but it is likely that it originally developed along with the process of papermaking itself in China, spreading from there to Korea and Japan. Records exist of folded paper objects being used for ceremonial and religious purposes prior to the 8th century in Japan, and it was there that the craft flourished for hundreds of years, producing an extensive tradition of decorative, ceremonial and useful folded paper objects, and evolving in modern times into a popular hobby and pastime, particularly for schoolchildren.

Since the mid-20th century, origami has spread worldwide, and become much more than just a rainy-day activity for kids. Today there are full-time origami artists who teach, create and fold amazing sculptural works, or who design pieces for commercial art applications, advertising and the like; there are dozens of origami associations in countries around the globe, many with yearly conventions and regular newsletters, and who publish great collections of new models each year; there are hundreds of origami books in print, with models ranging from simple to incredibly complex; wonderful art papers are available in art stores everywhere; and of course there are the thousands of craftspeople and hobbyists who endlessly fold and create new origami designs.

My Origami Page has some more information about origami, and links to many web sites with information, diagrams and more.

The Gilford Library

My local library, The Gilford Public Library (http://www.gilfordlibrary.org) is located in Gilford, New Hampshire, USA. They have a regularly-changing lobby display of art by local artists, or collections of other interesting materials, and were kind enough to ask me to organize a display of my stuff, which is how all this happened in the first place. Gilford is pretty much in the center of the state, located in what's called the "Lakes Region" of New Hampshire, famous for its lakes, mountain views, and fall foliage.

About me

I've done origami for over 30 years, collect origami books with a bibliophile's passion, and have more origami paper stashed away than any normal person ought to admit to. I am a member of OrigamiUSA (the national association for origami here in the US) and the Japanese Origami Academic Society in Tokyo and the British Origami Society in the UK. In the real world, I do computer consulting, programming, and Web design and construction. I also teach origami, occasionally do commissioned pieces, and teach and practice Japanese calligraphy.

My Origami Page has more info about origami; my personal and random stuff page has more stuff about me.

Exhibit Home | About ... | Anne's Other Origami Stuff
http://web.mit.edu/lavin/www/origami/2003-library-exhibit/about.shtml
copyright 2004 Anne R. LaVin