Since one o'clock. [Oh, wait, that's my answer at festivals.] Actually, I discovered origami as an art form probably around 1983.

That's two questions. The second will cost you extra. (1) Very well, thank you. (2) Practice, practice, and of course, practice.

Hey! That's two questions . . . oh, I give up. Yes, I do parties. You will see that I work in a wide variety of venues and situations if you go to my Clients & Venues page and click on "More". I charge thousands . . . of pennies. Actually, I really don't quote on the web, the cost of an appearance, because there are too many specifics that need to be answered. Like . . . how much is in your "portfolio"? If you do want to explore the possibility of an engagement just send me an email michaelroy@earthlink.net. I'm so desperate for work I'll actually contact you back right away!

Yes. However, many of the origami designs I fold were developed by other origami artists. Some are the classics from Japan -- origami designs which have been passed down from generation to generation -- and a few are designed by me. As a folder, I am similar to a musician who interprets the composer's (origami designer's) composition. I give an artistic interpretation to the design and sometimes add my own embellishments. Go to my LINKS page to link to some of the composers' sites. There are also other links of interest there.

Yes. If you are interested in hosting a hands-on origami class at your college, school, recreation center, church, party, day- camp, summer camp, retreat, etc. just contact me michaelroy@earthlink.net (hey, bring Darrell along, he and I can trade origami moves, play Dueling Creases, see who can take the most paper cuts, have a race and see who's creased lightning. . . ).

Depending on the setting and your (i.e. the client's) desires, yes I can teach some basics (or advanced if needed). Between myself, the MicRo Gallery, and Origami Activitiy Stations I have a number of interactive attractions. I have a guessing game where the guests can look at the fold patterns of unfolded pieces and are challenged to match the patterns to models on the MicRo Gallery. I have origami "action figures" with which guests can "play". And, of course, there are step by step instructions and paper supplies (and assistance from me if needed) for a simple design which even mere mortals can successfully make into an origami sculpture. All this while I casually walk around entertaining folks with dazzling finger work, folding intricate and exquisite origami and handing out these beautiful pieces of art as keepsakes to thrilled guests. [OK, so I have a bit of an ego, so what?]

OK, that was three questions, now you're really getting irritating. Yes I am, yes I do, and no I don't. As of the summer of 2007 juggling can be part of a package deal when you hire me as a strolling origami entertainer for an engagement. Of course I can customize per situation (i.e. if there is no room for tossing things around, or you don't need or desire juggling, etc. then I will do just the origami). Or if you need a juggler sans (sans, for you who had your head on the desk that day, means without) the origami I will be happy to accommodate you for a strolling entertainment situation. At this time I am not doing stage work, only interactive, strolling, and close-up.

Poof! Your auntie is now one of Michael Roy's exquisite origami sculptures. (OK, I know, it's like my sons tell me, "Dad, your publicity says you're a quick wit; it does not say your wit is funny.") Anyway to answer your question: sure, you can order as many of Michael Roy's origami art pieces as you want. They make great special and unique hand-crafted gifts for all your friends, family, fellow employees, clients, boss, enemies, the mailman . . . you have the idea. Keep in mind that if you are ordering bulk for a wedding or special event I do need some warning (i.e. order early!). Go to my Portfolio page and click on the PRICE LIST, make your choices and send me an Email with your order. Phssssssst, if you happen to show up at one of my appearances I make all of the models on the spot and give away many of these models (one per person), no cost to you. So, you can get your auntie a thrilling piece of art for FREE! Or better yet, bring her to the event too and you both can witness the production of an origami sculpture right before your eyes and you each can take one home to cherish for years to come!

I live in Kent, Ohio. I maintain a day job as a graphic designer and illustrator so I don't currently tour extensively. Most of my engagements are within a three hour drive from Kent, Ohio (e.g. Cleveland, OH, Akron, OH , Canton, OH, Youngstown, OH, Toledo, OH, Columbus, OH, Pittsburgh, PA, Erie, PA, and surrounding regions). If you have an event at a farther distance I am still open to the possibility. And don't let my day job interfere with your plans. As long as you book far enough in advance I make arrangements accordingly. Just give me a call 330-678-3362 or email me michaelroy@earthlink.net.

Yes. I book my own engagements. Yes. I use agencies. Yes. That was two questions. Yes. I gave you one answer. I am on the roster of a number of Entertainment, Artist, and Special Event Agencies, so I am occasionally booked through their services. Booking a Michael Roy's Folding Paper Art engagement is straight forward and easy. Just give me a call 330-678-3362 or email me michaelroy@earthlink.net. Or if you already have a special events coordinator, agency, or producer that you regularly use, then just have them get in touch with me and we'll hammer out the details of making that next event of yours the best ever (since I will be there). You won't be disappointed. And if you are? Hey, it's only entertainment! Or, better yet, consider it "Performance Art".

Typically, 3 to 6 months or more is a safe amount of time. However, occasionally I still have open dates within a shorter time span. So call or write me anytime.

I am happy you asked [boy was that a spontaneous out-a-the-blue question!]. Yes, it is easy to accommodate my technical needs. When you book a Michael Roy's Folding Paper Art engagement you will receive a contract with an attached page of technical specifics which, in essence, simply asks for approximately 10 feet by 10 feet of well lighted space and approximately 60 minutes for load-in and set-up and 60 minutes for tear-down and load-out. This will accommodate the MicRo Gallery, Origami & Puzzle Activity Stations, and room for my interaction with guests. In other words I am more or less "self-contained". In some settings I do not use the MicRo Gallery at all (i.e. some private parties, where I am strolling, doing table to table, and the like).

Yes, I am primarily a close-up and strolling entertainer. Origami lends itself nicely to the intimacy of a "right before your eyes!" kind of performance. There is something to be said for getting to view the performance from the "front row" and getting to interact directly with the artist, and see "how he does it" (though, like watching a close-up magician, you will probably still be somewhat befuddled). The intricacies of the art are not easily appreciated in a stage setting.

I use a wide variety of papers in many colors. My decision of which to use is based on finding the most appropriate paper type for each model that creates the best end result. The criteria includes such factors as: the simpler the design the thicker the paper can be in ratio to the width and height. I use traditional, commercially available origami paper imported from Japan, which has color and/or a pattern printed on one side and is white on the other. I use memory-book paper which is similar, but is usually larger (12" X 12") and a heavier weight. I use large art paper (e.g. watercolor, pastels). I find that even photocopy/inkjet paper works very well for certain models. I also use a variety of paper odds-and-ends randomly discovered here and there and especially at an area discount paper store (Hollos Paper Craft in Brunswick, Ohio).The characteristic that all these papers have in common is they are all able to withstand repeated folding and unfolding without tearing (up to a point).

I have not found any one to be most popular. A person's choice seem to depend on the subject matter and/or the individual's personal preference of aesthetic. In other words, if they are really into elephants then they will ask for an elephant. If they are really into buzzards then they will ask for a buzzard. If they are really into ostriches then they will ask for a ostrich. If they are really into rabbits then they will ask for a rabbit. If they are really into butterflies then they will ask for a butterfly. If they are really into . . . well you have the idea. Sometimes someone will request something and then a different model will capture their attention (and apparently, their affection) and they will change the request.

Well, currently I would have to say the humming bird (a Michael LaFosse design). It is a challenge and fun to fold, with beautiful results. And besides, I'm really into humming birds (see above answer). I don't think the image I have on this site does the model justice. You have to be there. I usually make it approximately life size, which of course, adds to the challenge. Fingers need to be nimble and acrobatic. I call folding designs of this complexity and diminutive size: "cirque du papier".

OK, my turn. You gave me one question and I will give you two answers. (1) The one I have not practiced lately is usually the most difficult. (2) The most complex design I fold is the snowball. It has the most creases and is extremely complex. Yet, I can fold it so fast it's like creased lightning. And if you unfold two of the models you will see that the fold pattern is much like snowflakes, no two are alike. A wonderful mystery to behold!

You never give up on sneaking that extra question in do you? You're good! I didn't acquire an interest in origami from seeing anything in God's heaven (as far as I know). But I do think He (i.e. God) finds origami to be really cool, even cooler than the internet. I believe my interest in the art form stems from my temperament and gifts. I have always enjoyed puzzles, visual art, working with my hands, and novelty - especially 3D stuff - and I think origami blends all of these beautifully. How I learned was primarily from books and instruction sheets. I did learn one design from a waitress at a Chinese buffet and a couple of designs from video, but the vast bulk of my learning has been, and continues to be, from books.