In the midst of grief's tumultuous storm, artist Michèle Saint-Michel found solace in the delicate art of origami. Drawn to the meditative repetition of folding and the symbolic grace of swans, she embarked on a journey to create a beacon of hope for those navigating the murky waters of loss.
Saint-Michel with an Origami swan folded in her home near the Missouri River.
In her poignant book, Grief Is an Origami Swan: An Artbook About Grief, Saint-Michel invites readers into a quiet ritual of remembrance. With each fold of a paper swan, grief is given a shape—allowing sorrow to be both held and expressed. Though distinct from the Japanese tradition of Senbazuru (千羽鶴)—in which one thousand paper cranes are folded as a prayer for healing—this practice echoes its spirit: a belief in the quiet accumulation of care, one gesture at a time.
Copy of Grief Is an Origami Swan: An Artbook About Grief with Origami paper on Michèle Saint-Michel’s desk
The process begins with the simple act of folding, as delicate creases transform a flat sheet of paper into a symbol of grace and transformation. Step-by-step instructions, accompanied by black-and-white nature illustrations and pressed florals, guide even the most novice of origami enthusiasts through the creation of a paper swan.
But Grief Is an Origami Swan is more than a how-to book. It is a space of invitation—welcoming readers to feel deeply, to fold slowly, to create something beautiful out of what aches. Saint-Michel reminds us that grief has no fixed shape, no expiration date. It is messy, cyclical, human—and worthy of our time and tenderness.
Drawing on Japanese aesthetics like Ma (the space between things) and wabi-sabi (the beauty in imperfection), Saint-Michel offers readers a chance to dwell in stillness and softness. Each swan folded becomes a moment spent with the one we miss—a small offering, a quiet tether.
As readers move through the pages of Grief Is an Origami Swan, they are invited to discover the slow healing that lives in repetition, in ritual, in paper. Grief, here, is not resolved but companioned—transformed through attention and care.
So let us begin this journey today, one fold at a time. Not toward forgetting, but toward remembering—gently, and with grace.
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FAQ: Grief Is an Origami Swan by Michèle Saint-Michel
1. What inspired you to create "Grief is an Origami Swan: An Art Book About Grief"?
After experiencing a series of difficult losses in my own life, I found solace in the meditative art form of origami. The book was born out of my personal journey through grief, inspired by the seasonal lifecycle changes of deciduous trees and the transformative power of creating something beautiful out of pain.
2. How did you come up with the concept for the book's interior design?
The interior design of the book was inspired by the natural cycles of deciduous trees, mirroring the ebb and flow of grief. Each page reflects the changing seasons, offering readers a visual representation of the journey through loss and healing.
3. What has been the most unexpected aspect of publishing "Grief is an Origami Swan"?
I never anticipated the profound impact the book would have on readers. It has become a cherished gift passed between friends and family during some of life's most challenging times. The refrain "Grief has no timeline" has resonated deeply with many, offering a sense of freedom and solace in the midst of their pain.
4. Can you tell us about your experience leading Collective Grieving sessions?
Leading Collective Grieving sessions has been both challenging and rewarding. Holding space for others to share their stories of loss and grief has been a privilege and a gift. It's a journey I'm grateful to embark on alongside my readers and supporters.
5. How has the practice of folding paper swans enriched your life?
Folding paper swans as a way to honor those I've lost has been a deeply enriching practice. It's a tangible way to connect with their memory and find comfort in the midst of grief. The act of creation brings a sense of peace and healing, allowing me to channel my emotions into something beautiful.
6. Where can readers purchase "Grief is an Origami Swan"?
"Grief is an Origami Swan" is available on Amazon, Bookshop.org, Barnes & Noble, and can be requested from your local bookshop. Try Bookshop.org (US) or uk.Bookshop.org (UK). Also available at Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Walmart. Also, incredibly, the digital eBook version also available on Amazon (free to Amazon Prime subscribers)!
BULK BUYING OPTIONS | Purchase 5+ copies at a discounted rate by emailing Bad Saturn.
Thank you for your support and for sharing the message of this book. Together, we can show up for those we hold dear during and after times of loss.