Why 1,000 cranes?

Ancient Japanese legend promises that anyone who folds a thousand origami cranes will be granted a wish by the gods.  Here in lies the inspiration for this exhibit. 

This past year, I was standing at a crossroad of my professional life.  I had graduated from the Ohio State University where I studied Interior Space Design.  After earning my degree, I spent six months overseas selling art.  I was privileged to witness first-hand the power of art and how it can touch so many people in so many different ways – regardless of cultural and language barriers.  Upon my return, I was determined to find a medium to adequately express this understanding through a new form.

I was repeatedly drawn to the story of Sadako Sasaki.  Sadako was a Japanese girl who was just 2 years old when she was exposed to radiation from the atomic bombing of Hiroshima in 1945.  She soon developed leukemia.  In her last year, she spent her time folding cranes and hoping for a better future.  Sadly, her body weakened, and the leukemia took her life on October 25, 1955.  She folded 644 cranes.   In her memory, her loved ones came together and completed the 1000 cranes.  To this day, Sadako’s story remains one filled with hope, peace and healing.

This new series will focus on hopes and wishes that are instrumental to myself and my community.