40″ x 40″ acrylic on mixed media
sami Peterson 2018

“Wings Folded in the Smallest Space” – Although many insects have wings that fold down beneath covers when not in use, the earwig’s wings fold the most compactly. This complex and unique folding pattern has remained unchanged for at least 280 million years.

This painting explores the splendor in something I find horrifying. I have similar feelings about gender and femininity – compacting myself into the smallest spaces assigned to me, folding all my glory under cover. When the coast is clear, I erupt into flight.

Umbrellas, fish fins, origami, letters… what are your favorite folded things?