Linda’s self portrait contrasted most others that we saw because it was performed in complete silence, without any written words or pictures to convey ideas to the audience. She sat down at the table with a simple piece of white paper, and without a word of explanation or even a glance at her audience, she began to work—meticulously folding the paper, creasing it, unfolding it, turning it…. A complex sequence of maneuvers that immediately absorbed her classmates. For three minutes she patiently continued folding, finally transforming her blank ordinary sheet into a tiny origami creature.

What most captured Linda’s audience was not the folding of the paper, but Linda’s attentive, delicate, and precise movements as she transformed it. Linda’s performance may have seemed like a simple (well, really complex) craft project—but it was actually a demonstration of Linda’s character. She showed herself to be modest and gentle in nature, but diligent in completing a potentially challenging task.  She showed that she immerses herself in her work, which she carries out with intent and patience, giving attention to each detail. Throughout the process, Linda worked seamlessly, without hesitation, showing a modest certainty in working towards her goal. We can think of these traits that Linda presented in folding her origami as characteristics that define her when she is working towards any goal.

Her self portrait was very successful because Linda subtly told us about who she is by allowing us to share her minutes of silent focus.  These still moments that enveloped the class, enthralled by Linda’s meticulous folding and humble performance, let us better understand Linda. It’s not what she was doing, but how she did it that captured everyone’s attention.

Linda’s performance was minimalist and understated rather than dramatic, but I think it really spoke to who she is. Watching her performance, even through the camera, was much different from performing because I became a part of her energy. Everyone in the room fell into a state of calm and concentration, because that was the environment that Linda created. As a performer, you are the one creating the setting for everyone else, and so going up on the stage myself was like standing on a blank slate. It was up to me to set the mood for the audience.