The Paper Trail

About The Paper Trail

In the winter of 2009, I was something of a nervous wreck. If my hands were not constantly occupied, they fidgeted of their own accord. I bought hundreds of sheets of origami paper and left a clutter of cranes and flowers in my wake. Before long, a substantial paper trail had developed, and soon I began to see these origami creations displayed in shops I had visited or in the bags of friends...and sometimes strangers, etcetera. I wondered what happened to the rest of them. I wanted the stories. Then one day it crossed my mind that I could get them. All I had to do, as it turned out, was ask. And that, in all probability, is why you are here. I have asked you a favor. So now you know my story. If you have found one of my paper messengers, I want to hear YOUR story. Tell me something. Tell me anything. Start by telling me the circumstances of your discovery of my paper trail. From there, go wherever you please. Thank you for your time.

(for specific information on contact, contribution, and rules, please read the FAQ column located in the right column of this blog.)

Saturday, June 20, 2009

Something To Think About No.1: Origami Praying Mantis

Every day...or week...or month...or so, I would like to take a few minutes to share with you some truly amazing things. I thought I would start off with some incredibly realistic and complex origami, since origami is the art that has brought us together.

Praying Mantises have come up with a bizarre, seemingly auspicious frequency this year, and I have been determined for some time to figure out how to make one out of paper. As of yet I have not been terribly successful, but I have found some amazing examples of people who have. This is one such mantis.

I'm pretty sure the origami masters have magic on their side. I doubt more proof is needed than this.

The Paper Trail project officially began today. I left a few cranes and lilies at the Iowa City GLBTQA Pride Festival. These early pieces do not have passwords, but that shouldn't be an issue. I am hopeful that at least a few of them will be found. I would be thrilled if even one person was inspired to email me a response to my request.

I feel obligated to comment inanely on the weather, since this is after all a blog and I ought to prattle mindlessly on about something, so here goes: It is a beautiful day, though quite muggy in true Iowa City form... just kidding, I won't torment you.

FAQ

1. What Next?

If you've made it this far already, you've already gotten past the hard part-- deciphering my handwriting and finding the time to sit down at your computer and indulge our mutual curiosity. Next I ask you to email with me with proof of your finding and the story I requested. Please send your findings and stories to: origamieva@gmail.com

2. How do I prove my finding?

It's easy. Somewhere on the bird, flower, dragon, basket, crab, or bracelet you are holding is a seemingly irrelevant word. Depending on how much space I had, it may or may not clearly be labeled 'password'. Either way, that is exactly what said random word is. To make thing simple, I'm going to say that you should head your email to me with this word. Then I will know right away that is an authentic email with regard to The Paper Trail. Additionally, password words allow me to track the number and location of each origami piece that gets found.

3.What should I include in my email?

That's easy: whatever you like.

However, there a few particular things I would very much like to know:

~The proof password. (see above)

~ Your name, or if you are not comfortable with that, then part of your name, or a nickname, or a pseudonom. This is important because what you write to me will, unless you expressly object or I feel that your content is offensive, be posted on this blog. There is also a chance that it will later be used, in part or in whole, as part of a book. Parts of your letters may be used as inspiration or outlines for stories or artwork. If this is the case, your inspiring words will also be published and credited fully to you--however, I can not give you the credit you deserve if I do not have your name. Whether you tell me your name is dragonballzlover200000 or James Peterson, that is who I will put as the writer of your words.

~Your location. The password you send me will tell me where I placed the piece you found, but not not necessarily where you found it. I am also very interested to know why you were there when you found it, and what you were doing. What were the circumstances of your stumbling upon the paper trail? What happened afterwards? Was it a mundane experience, or an exciting one? (Actually, you're not obligated to tell me if it was a mundane experience, but I would love to hear about the interesting ones!)

~What did you are or are you going to do with your part of the paper trail?

~Lastly, if there is anything that you feel comfortable sharing with me but not with the world at large, say so, and I will refrain from posting that information to the blog.

That, however, is just to get you started. If you want to tell me a little or a lot about yourself, go write ahead. If you feel so inclined, share an anecdote from your childhood, or tell me your deepest fear. Or you could invent your own story entirely, or write a poem. If you are a creative person this is a nice option because your work will posted to the blog for all of our readers to view and admire! Alternatively, if you are an artist or a dabbler in the arts, feel free to tell your story visually in place of or in tandem with text. Photographs, paintings, animations, short films-- or whatever it is that you do. Play to your own strengths and express yourself in the way that you feel happiest and most comfortable.

P.S: If you are having trouble thinking of or settling on ideas, you may want to turn to your password for inspiration.

4. Are there rules or restrictions related to content?

Yes.

If you send me anything that discriminates against any race, creed, gender, sexual orientation, etc., I will not only not post your work to the blog but lose all potential respect or affection towards you as a human being. I also have the right to veto any content due to excessive vulgarity or violence. This does not mean that dark stories or art is not allowed. It does not mean you are not allowed to swear. However there are some lines that should not, especially on a public forum easily viewable by any one, be crossed, and I will use my judgment as I see fit.

That said, any genre, style, etc. is allowed. If you send me a very long work, or something that is difficult to post to the blog, I may not be able to. In that case I will at least excerpt if it is in a format I can do that with. If not, sorry.

The Paper Trail

About The Paper Trail

Saturday, June 20, 2009

Something To Think About No.1: Origami Praying Mantis

Affiliated Literary and Artistic Sites:

About Me

FAQ

Followers

Blog Archive