Ty’s Big Night- The Origami Opening


Ty’s opening at Columbia College was friday night. There was a great turn out, Ty thought the whole experience was pretty cool.

Ty sold this large green frog at the opening.
The standing dragon guy “the bahamut” was Ty’s ultimate challenge in origami. For a year or two he talked about wanting to make this model, it has 274 steps. We ordered the Japanese book Works of Satoshi Kamiya a month ago so he could make it.
There are three cranes on the penny folded from 4 mm sheets of paper. The 3mm was accidentally left out of the case.
The centipede on the wall is 4 1/2 feet long, it was started from a 30″ x 10′ length of paper.
Ty folded 350 gold foil cranes for this installation. The cranes hang from the ventilation duct so the air currents make them dance while the lights project their shadows on the large open wall. It was really beautiful.

Ty was asked by this gal if she could interview him for her blog.
They had a huge bowl of chocolate fortune cookies that had the most relevant fortunes. Mine said “you are deeply attached to your family.” I thought Ty’s was perfect, especially on a night like this.
Besides Ty’s work there were many other wonderful displays of origami. This is Robert Langs work.

This folded silk is by Chris Palmer.
This is a Menger Sponge made from index cards by Joshua Koppel. A member of the Chicago Origami Society.
These are geometric forms made from paper plates by Bradford Hansen Smith.
Christine Edisonis also a member of the Chicago Origami Society and does the most beautiful tessellations.

There were quite a few other wonderful pieces in the show. Hopefully if you are in the Chicago area in the next month you can stop in and see them.

I am one proud mom!


19 responses to “Ty’s Big Night- The Origami Opening”

  1. Judy: this is so impressive — I’m proud just to know Ty’s mom! I wish I could see it in person, but your photos were great.

    The 3cm crane? The curator must have sneezed and blew it across Lake Michigan.

    Could Ty make me an origami weiner dog?

  2. I am so impressed, I can’t wait to come to the show and see it all. When Laura gets home we plan on making a trip in to view the show. When do you get back from your trip?

  3. Cool stuff…. I loooove the cranes! He could make some really cool mobiles with some of his critters… it’s just cool all the way around! ;0)

  4. WOW! That is all I can think!! What a great exhibit!
    I don’t know which part is the most impressive!I love the golden cranes; but I have never seen Oragami like the frog, and the bahamut guy! Great job Ty; keep it fun always!
    Anne L.

  5. He is asked that all the time.

    it is pretty mind boggling, I have a hard time even seeing the tiny cranes. Ty does not use any tools, just his fingertips and eyes- no magnifing lenses.

  6. Uh…. I’m not sure if I have the words to say what I think. WOW just doesn’t cover it. Your son must be very patient, he is obviously talented. I love the golden crane display on all its levels. I wish I were in Chicago right now.

  7. Random blog watching, often brings a smile but i was in awe of your sons work. I work with vast quantities of paper every day the most creative i get is crumple.
    The tiny cranes are the most impressive
    Congratulations i hope he can make a career out of this art form.

  8. Judy – I’m a little late at checking out these pictures… but am utterly amazed. His work is awesome.

    Now I am even more upset that my basset hound ate the Christmas ornament I purchased from Ty 🙂

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