“It’s a bit of Japanese origami, and also of the paper folding technique from Black Mountain College.” –Paul Lanier, Asawa’s son

Asawa with Origami Fountains, Japantown, 1982. Photo by Kelly Mooney.
Artwork © 2021 RAL, Inc.

One of the original Origami Fountains in corten steel. Artwork © 2021 RAL, Inc.

Originally welded in corten steel, the fountains were cast in bronze in 1999. Photo by Aiko Cuneo.
Artwork © 2021 RAL, Inc.

Asawa and daughter-in-law Terry with paperfolds, c. 1975. Photo by Laurence Cuneo,
Photo and Artwork © 2021 RAL, Inc.

Daughters Aiko and Addie helped Asawa make the paperfold model, 1975. Photo by Laurence Cuneo.
Photo and Artwork © 2021 RAL, Inc.

Asawa teaching paper folding, c. 1980s. Courtesy Estate of Ruth Asawa

Cast concrete sculpted with children of the neighboring shopkeepers. Photo by James Jue.
Artwork © 2021 RAL, Inc.