1000 Cranes Community Art Project
Uniting Communities and Giving Thanks to HealthCare Staff

Meaning Behind This Art Project

 

In Japan, there is a tradition that if someone folds 1000 cranes, their wish will be granted. And it's often a gesture that family and friends do for a loved one who is ill; wishing for their recovery. I created this piece of artwork using 222 cranes, dedicating it to humanity as we are experiencing a global pandemic that requires much unity, trust, faith and love. My wish is to bring communites together, for us to find peace within and get through this by becoming better versions of ourselves for ourselves and for each other. And of course, also giving thanks to our amazing healthcare workers, as well as bringing some comfort and support to those affected by this disease.

 

- The colourful tiny cranes on the red crane are visually designed to represent feathers on the wings. In a sense, they reflect what this pandemic is teaching us; each of us are unique and complete in our own ways, but collectively we make up our communities, societies, countries and even the human race. Thus, we must all be willing to work together while respecting each other in order to build something strong and beautiful. A bird cannot fly without its strong healthy wings made up of hundreds of feathers.

 

- For the medium sized cranes above the big red crane, they were actually made using newspaper with Covid19 related stories, and also grocery flyers, as this pandemic made us realized the importance of the simple activities and people in our daily lives.

 

- As I was receiving photos of the paper cranes, I was pleasantly surprised by how much thoughts and efforts people had put into creating and presenting them in different ways. Although I basically demonstrated crane folding using the same method during all workshops, each person was able to create cranes in unique styles. Some had very straight neck and tail, while others had curved wings; it was as if the birds all had different characteristics, representing the participants that created them!

 

 

Even though the main purpose of this project is to show our thanks to HealthCare workers, another main theme of this project is UNITY. This project united by connecting people from all different age groups and backgrounds to come together and show our support for each other and our HealthCare workers during a time of physical disconnect.

 

There are several symbolisms in the arrangement of the physical crane display. Firstly, over 150 tiny paper cranes positioned on top of the big red crane represent all of the different people making up a community; like the tiny feathers on a bird's wings, each are unique and different in their own way, but all must work together for the bird to fly and soar! Secondly, there are smaller groups of cranes (sets of 3 to 5) put together that actually look like flowers or snowflakes. They represent how a community is made up of different groups of people, whether family, friends, colleagues or classmates. Each of us contribute our uniqueness individually and collectively to create a wonderful society. Lastly, there's also a set of cranes creating a ring shape to symbolize Connection and Unity for all. WE ARE ONE.

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The final 7 minute video created out of all the paper cranes received is dedicated to all Frontline Healthcare Workers who have been selflessly and tirelessly taking care of so many people in our communities since Spring 2020. We are unable to name every person, but our appreciation towards staff working inside hospitals and clinics cannot be expressed with words. We care for your wellness even though there might not be much we could do except for giving thanks and keeping ourselves safe. I would also like to extend our gratitude towards healthcare staff working in long-term care homes, laboratories, as well as those who has to travel to different locations to provide medical support and home healthcare to those in need during this pandemic. Your kindness and bravery means so much to all patients and their families. As many of our communities and cities are returning to normal activities. I wish for everyone to stay safe while enjoying all the blessings in our lives! Please take care of yourself and each other.

 

King Regards,

 

May Chan @ May Lily Design

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Updated March 2022

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