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Live Public Performances

(Partial Listing)



Waterfire (Providence, RI)

Waterfire is a fascinating public art piece created and directed by Barnaby Evans.  His standards are rigorous, and to be invited and perform at Waterfire requires a certain essence which will blend in with the Waterfire environment.  The first time I was asked to fold origami at Waterfire, I was asked to silently make a series of white cranes in memory of the events of September 11, 2001.  At a later Waterfire, the opera Madame Butterfly was to be sung; Barnaby asked that I make a series of origami butterflies that would be given out by opera singer during the evening.  During later Waterfires, I expanded the repertoire to include more of the classic origami pieces.  In keeping with the atmosphere at Waterfire, I fold silently.  During any particular Waterfire, I give away hundreds of pieces of origami, and a crowd of people is almost always present.


Here are some photos from the 2005 Waterfire season:





























Institute for Contemporary Art (Boston, MA)

The ICA had a show this year, titled "Living In Motion - Design and Architecture for Flexible Dwelling."   I taught some simple origami, as well as some modular origami pieces which fit in well with the theme of the exhibit.  Here are some photos of me and the crowd; I taught the Sonobe module, and the simple three piece Jewel that was constructed from it.   





























The Sonobe module is quite versatile; although I only taught the three piece Jewel, there are many complex models that can be made with it:




















Harvard Square (Cambridge, MA)

Harvard Square is a classic "buskers" showcase (Busking is the British term for street performing).  Here, you can see jugglers, musicians, living statues, magicians (and myself, the only origami artist!) perform for the crowds on almost every night of the week, when weather permits.  In Harvard Square, I have folded both with a 'patter', exchanging quips with the crowds, and silently.  It was here that I started performing and folding in public.  When folding, I usually dress in all black, to give good background for the origami paper.  I generally always wear a top hat, and wear a long dress coat when it gets cold.

New Bedford WHALE Christmas Festival (New Bedford, MA)

Along with a number of other performers, I was asked to perform at New Bedford's two-day WHALE Christmas festival.  Here, you can see a series of photos taken over the span of a few minutes showing how I fold and interact with passersby.  In the last frame (in the background), you can see Blake Brasher, another Harvard Square regular, as a living 'angel' statue. 

 

Private Performances

I have performed at bar mitzvahs, in hospitals, corporate events, award events, and even at Cub Scout meetings; each performance is tailored to the event.  Please e-mail me with the details of your event, and I can provide ideas and references for the style of performance that would best fit your needs.  Folding fixed pieces for weddings and gifts (without being present) generally does not pose scheduling problems, however, the number and complexity of the models can pose delivery constraints.
                                

Contact at: andrew@flappingbird.com