A fifteen foot origami crane mobile designed by Bluestem associate, Sonya Nicholson, was recently installed in the central entryway of the newly completed Boone Hospital Nifong Medical Plaza in Columbia. Master artist and designer, Sonya had assistance from several family members and friends in addition to her regular studio helpers. The cranes are folded from 18-inch squares of paper, each reinforced to maintain its shape.
Japanese tradition says that anyone who folds a thousand origami cranes will be granted a wish. Sometimes friends or family members will fold cranes for someone with an illness in the hope of recovery or a long life. Native Americans honor the crane’s fidelity and courage. The crane is thought to attract prosperity to the Chinese. A pair of cranes represents a blessing for partnership in many cultures.
Sonya learned to fold origami cranes while living in Tokyo as an exchange student. Returning to the US, she began folding cranes with her son several years later after his class read Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes.
Sonya’s peace crane mobiles, large and small, are available at Bluestem. Some are presented as very tiny earrings; others in multiples are “flights” for your wall, while others form mobiles for your home or office.
