Limited Edition of 3
FLORIGAMI IN THE GARDEN Traveling Exhibition
Throughout history, the longest, most perilous overland journeys have been undertaken by caravan. Across deserts and other endless barren landscapes, where bandits, thirst, starvation, or treacherous footing made survival the paramount goal, people traveled together. They moved slowly but steadily over the miles in lines of camels, horse-drawn wagons, or oxen-yoked carts. In successful caravans, travelers contributed their talents and gifts—some scouted the route, others gathered water, wood or dung for the fire, set up camp, minded the children, or cooked.
Nature teaches that collaboration is always the most effective means. In Box’s Caravan, three creatures of distinct diversity are working selflessly together to reach their destination. Slow, strong, and persevering, the tortoise generously carries the load of the others on his back. The rabbit could get there more quickly on her own, but instead holds the branch that holds the carrot—symbol of the encouragement and nourishment, both spiritual and physical, that they all need. The crane, rather than flying away, reconnoiters and always returns.
If entirely different species can offer their gifts for the good of the whole, what more could humans achieve? “It’s the global collective, moving forward together in unison,” Box says.
Artist Beth Johnson folded the original tortoise and carrot. The crane and rabbit are traditional Asian origami designs. The bronze stick was cast from an olive branch on the Boxes’ land.
