Patterns in Origami: The Folded Formations of Mark DeWolf-Ott

Since 1985, origami expert Mark DeWolf-Ott has shared his art by conducting workshops for people of all ages at area venues including the Japanese Cultural Center of Saginaw, Saginaw Art Museum, libraries, and schools, in addition to a variety of conventions. By manipulating the most foundational artistic elements and principles of design, his works bind through commonalities in color, space, form, repetition, proportion, balance, and emphasis. They are further linked by recurring depictions of flowers and plants or studies in display and presentation.

"I taught myself a long time ago, when I was twelve, and I just kind of took off from there," Mark explains, "I just get some peace and comfort from touching the paper.”

First created in China about 100 BCE, paper took on a religious and ceremonial significance when folded. Now with mathematical properties of folded forms, DeWolf-Ott’s work exemplifies the precision and complexity of today’s origami models. From your favorite animals, to flowers, to everyday items, his minimalist approach to the thoughtful folds of paper reflects the modern life of origami.

Art @ the Andersen is made possible with the support of the Maxwell K. Pribil Memorial Trust, the Jury Foundation, and the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs. This project has been established by the Saginaw Arts & Enrichment Commission to give artists in the Great Lakes Bay Region an opportunity to exhibit and sell their work. For more information call the Saginaw Arts & Enrichment Commission at 989.759.1363.