Resilience in Origami: The Story of Robert Lang
Robert Lang, a renowned origami artist, has been folding paper since he was a child. With over 800 origami designs to his name, Lang is considered a master of the craft. Despite his fame in the origami world, Lang remains humble about his status as an "origami rock star." Origami, an art form originating in Japan centuries ago, experienced a renaissance in the 1990s, largely due to Lang's innovative designs that combined math and art to create magical creations.
In 2025, tragedy struck when the Eaton Fires ravaged Altadena, California, destroying Lang's home and studio. The loss was devastating, as Lang's studio housed hundreds of intricate origami pieces that had taken him countless hours to create. Among the lost pieces were his beloved insects and arthropods, some of the most complex designs he had folded over the years. Despite the destruction, Lang salvaged a few pieces, including an origami cuckoo clock from 1987, which held sentimental value for him.
One of the few silver linings in the aftermath of the fire was the outpouring of support from the origami community. Fellow artists Richard Alexander and Michael LaFosse of Origamido Studios stepped in to help Lang by creating new paper using ashes from his destroyed studio. This act of kindness allowed Lang to begin rebuilding his collection, starting with a new series of koi fish, a symbol of resilience and rebirth. The new koi exhibit, titled "Vertical Pond III," made its debut at Descanso Gardens, showcasing Lang's determination to continue his art despite the challenges he faced.
The journey of rebuilding continues for Lang and his wife, Diane, as they navigate their temporary living situation and makeshift workspace. Despite the setbacks, Lang finds solace in the meditative process of folding paper and the satisfaction of overcoming challenges to create something beautiful. As he reflects on the support he received and the opportunity to start anew, Lang remains committed to his craft, one crease at a time. The story of Robert Lang is a testament to the resilience and creativity that can emerge from the ashes of adversity.