Folded paper on wood panel. This piece is composed of origami butterflies. Butterflies are a very common symbol in art because there is so much meaning in their story. I think much is connected with the transformation from a caterpillar. I however, am very connected to other aspects of their story. I'm particularly drawn to the multi-generational migration from Mexico to Canada which is partially represented here. But also, the composition and movement in this piece is based on magnetic field lines. They say the butterfly can use the earth's magnetic field to aid in its navigation. That moves me because I think about the mysterious forces which seems to guide each of us. Whether it be religion, fate or self determination, there is always something invisible but very powerful that guides us all. The vibrant Chiyogami paper is hand silk-screened in Japan, and is PH neutralized by myself sheet by sheet. I use pH neutral glue and adhere to artist grade wood panels painted with a durable, acrylic paint. This piece is part of my migration series of origami assemblage. My artist statement: Andrew unearths great journeys through origami assemblage, influenced by his experience as a second generation Canadian. “We are keenly aware of our ‘otherness’, wondering if we truly belong. I fold hundreds of origami birds to honour hardships and sacrifices made by my parents’ generation. As I lay each bird in its place, I realize that the journey continues – I am still finding my way, to be accepted, by others, by myself.” The process is a cathartic, meditative practice. Always striving for perfection, taking joy in the completion of each small task, the culmination of thousands of motions to create something greater than the sum of its parts.

Andrew Wang

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Andrew left an engineering and business career in 2017 to care for his school age children and pursue his lifelong dream of becoming an artist. He is strongly influenced by the Renaissance period where artists were engineers and vice versa. As he was an engineer for a materials company for over a decade, Andrew takes great care in the choice of materials he uses, considering both technical and symbolic factors. While Andrew’s artistic practice is mainly in Origami, he enjoys the process of creation every single day with each medium before him.