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In 2003, the United States
invaded Iraq. The justifications for this action have changed over time, and the measure of success has changed as well. More
than five years have passed, and now the number of soldiers killed in the conflict exceeds 4000.
Over time, the
war has moved from the front page, and the death toll has virtually disappeared from view. All the while, families and friends
live the stress of a loved one in danger, or worse yet, the terrible loss of life. People come back from multiple tours, shattered.
Suicide attempts are up. Those who succeed in their attempts are not counted as fatalities of this war unless they die in
Iraq. At this point, more than 150 soldiers who have died in Iraq, died of "self-inflicted wounds."
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| Wax paper crane strands made to represent the Iraqi citizens killed by the war. |
I have seen how often people have looked to the cranes I make from
polymer clay as memorials, or symbols of hope or of peace. Over time, I have come to respect how this simple origami form
can convey powerful messages. And from that experience, came the inspiration for this project.
Each polymer clay crane is being folded
from translucent clay, and the name of the soldier whom it represents will be on the wings, along with the date they died,
where they died, and the cause of their death. The story of the loss of a life, told on a simple form.
Cranes folded from white
vellum will represent the soldiers from other countries in the coalition forces. Journalists, killed while trying to
cover the war, will be represented by articles about the war, cut out of magazines, and folded into cranes.
Finally, the Iraqi citizens
will be represented by cranes folded from waxed paper. This is where this becomes a community project. Where others
can join in, and bring their energy and feelings about the price of this war into a concrete form. If you fold a four-inch square of waxed paper into a crane, and send it to me, it will become a part of this
project. Your energy, and your expression of remembrance will help to make it richer.
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