Lisa S. Douglass’s artistic journey with Origami began not with personal mastery, but with her son’s unexpected discovery of an old, forgotten Origami book tucked away on a shelf.
Although Douglass, who lives in Staunton, had once struggled with the intricate folds, her son quickly became captivated. He spent hours creating paper forms while she dove into library books to keep up.
Inspired by his passion, the family launched The Origami Club at his public elementary school. With the full support of the school principal, an enthusiastic student body and a dedicated art teacher, the club thrived for three years. Douglass led the curriculum, her son taught the folds and her husband provided unwavering support at each session.
Long before her creative pursuits, Douglass had suffered a severe pelvic injury that ended her career as a massage therapist and drastically altered her lifestyle. The discovery of Origami, especially the iconic crane, became more than a hobby. The discovery became a path to healing. Captivated by its symbolism of peace, love, hope and healing, Douglass found herself drawn to the idea of crafting Origami mobiles.
Her artistic process is both meditative and precise. From modifying traditional crane folds to carefully selecting handmade papers, gemstones and glass beads, Douglass aims to evoke balance, harmony and movement. She uses invisible cord to give the illusion of flight and places glass beads throughout the mobiles to catch sunlight and scatter rainbows. Each mobile is a work of art infused with intentionality and healing energy.
Her mobiles were previously featured in the gift shop at the Shenandoah Valley Art Center (SVAC) in Waynesboro, and was included in the Art for Gifts program at the Staunton Augusta Art Center (SAAC). Her Origami mobiles and Kusudama flower balls are on display through the end of May at the Art Hive in Staunton near Gypsy Hill Park.
Art Hive is at 835 Spring Hill Rd., Staunton.
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Rebecca Barnabi
