Origami Page:
Peacock

Mary Ellen Palmeri

Welcome to our monthly "Origami Page". Origami is folding paper and ending up with delightful figures and models, such as flowers, boxes and animals. This feature will showcase a different origami model in each monthly issue, with diagrams and photos to help readers learn how to fold them. Most models use one square of paper, some use a rectangle, and others use more than one piece of paper.

Click for printable file.

Peafowl are in the pheasant family. The males of these large birds are called peacocks. They're well known for brilliantly colored plumage. The females are called Peahens and only have brown feathers. The male's colorful plumage is usually displayed to attract a female mate. Although the males all look the same to us, in reality they have distinct patterns and “eyespots” scattered across their feathers. Females notice these patterns and choose the male that seems suitable to them. These birds are very social and groups of them are called parties! They sleep in tall trees for protection and make a shrieking sound to warn of danger.

Generally a peacock is seen as a good omen. They can signify prestige, success, contentment and confidence. This is a good model to use to decorate a table when celebrating a special achievement.

Try folding this origami model using colorful and patterned papers to see which look best to you.

Happy folding!

Origami originated in ancient Asian cultures and has been adapted by contemporary artists worldwide to reflect their own cultures. Local artist Mary Ellen Palmeri has incorporated paper folding into many of her mixed media art paintings, and teaches origami classes locally and nationally. Some of her work can be seen in a Tucson Happenings feature here: Artist_Profile

Ms. Palmeri's original origami models have been published in books and magazines, she has been featured on broadcast media, and her mixed-media fine art works often include various original origami models. Origami LAFF (Lyric Arts Folding Fest) is a Tucson based club founded by Ms. Palmeri to provide a venue for sharing this art. The group meets monthly at a local library; for more details please contact the artist at info@lyric-arts.com