I made a video, and to save bandwidth, I uploaded the video on YouTube. This video introduces myself, the origami cranes, my volunteerism, my art, writing, my other website, ChicagoArtMovement.com and others in about 7 1/2 minutes.
I had planned to make a video and to upload / store it in YouTube to save on bandwidth. It took me more than 5 days from start to finish. However, a lot of elements in the movie took me weeks in 2006 and 2007. The footage of the cranes flying near the end took me many weeks to make in 2006, then I stored it for a while, hoping for a chance to use it. I think it is acceptable. I hope you like it. The video is also permanently located in the crane blog.
The Origami Paper Cranes Will Fly Again
In 1995-1996, as I was busy pursuing my dreams, art, three friends went to hospitals and then passed away. All of them had AIDS.
There I was pursuing my abstract ideas, while reality set in for these three people. One of them was talking about getting out of the hospital and getting back to the job pool, hoping to get employed once more, and use the diploma he had only recently acquired.
In April, an idea came to me. In Asia, there is this saying, that if you make a thousand origami cranes, the bird made of folded square paper, a wish will be granted. It was not so much that belief, but the message that pushed me to do what I did. I made an announcement, which reached the news media, that as an artist, I am attaching the AIDS ribbon to the beak of the crane, because I wish for a cure, and for AIDS to go away.
I had read books on advertising and art, and stickiness factors. The crane was a concept of the East, while the AIDS ribbon was from the West. This was the meeting of the East and the West. The effort must be global. This is also the modern dove with the olive twig.
Now, I am going to do the cranes project again, but this time, I am asking people like you to send me your cranes. Attach to your crane your symbol, your memories, pictures, videos, poetry. Whatever you care about, your dreams and depressions, your tears of joy and sorrow, if you are doing it for yourself, or who you are doing it for, why you are doing it.
Let me collect your cranes, and let me talk to individuals and organizations and display them for you. I look forward to different countries, different causes, different cranes.
The mailing address will be posted on this page. It will change, once in a while, depending on where I am and who would accept whatever volume of mail I might get.
I am hoping to succeed and finance this project through the sale of my art, but I know that it will not be enough. If you decide to help financially, you must know that I am not yet a nonprofit group, and your contribution will not be tax-deductible.
Send Me Your Origami Crane
What to do
Send me your email, country and message then mail me your crane in a small envelope - include pictures, video files on CD or DVD, poetry, essay, etc.. Do not send any boxes without notifying me by email. Do not send perishables.
