From Madonna: When I fold origami tessellations, I feel like I am reaching out and touching the underlying structures of reality. Folding a single sheet of paper into complex repeating patterns requires intimate knowledge of symmetries: fundamental mathematical truths that are found on so many scales of nature, from the structure of graphene to spiral galaxies. My work represents the joy of discovery and the fascination of controlled complexity. Every feature of the tessellation is planned, from the symmetries to the underlying tiling to the interaction of the pattern with the edge of the paper, but an observer will see only the mystery of many parts that somehow came from a single sheet. Light adds yet another dimension to these tessellations, as the variable number of layers create shadows when lit from behind, giving depth to a flat final form. My explorations over the last few years have helped to reveal the infinite possibilities available in twist-based origami tessellations by introducing new ways of seeing tilings and by generating many new tilings. Previous tessellation artists had focused on the simplest cases and there was a sense that all the good patterns had already been found, but every time that I look more closely at a given structure or motif I find new choices that had not been exercised before, leading to dozens or hundreds of new designs.
Madonna Yoder explores the infinite possibility of origami tessellation design and provides lessons and supplies for making these patterns through her business, Gathering Folds. She has created over 700 designs since 2018 and teaches aspiring origami tessellation folders how to fold tessellations at all difficulty levels by teaching the skills and theory behind all tessellations.