Born in Fitchburg in the state of Massachusetts. Already as a child LaFosse discovered his passion for the art of folding paper and experimented with creating his own origami paper. Michael LaFosse went on to study biology, using his knowledge to design uncannily realistic animal sculptures. Over a period of more than 40 years, he developed an expertise in origami and has also been teaching the art of paper folding for 30 years. Michael LaFosse who has shown extensively in Europe and the USA is today considered one of the world’s best origami artists.

Hummingbird on an Orchid, designed 1978, folded 2005

The hummingbird was folded from a square sheet of origamido duo paper, handmade from Manila hemp fibers. Black-green pigments tint one side of the paper, the other side is dyed red. The orchid blossoms were folded from single, rectangular sheets of handmade origamido paper. 

F-14 Tomcat Fighter, designed 1980

Folded from a square sheet of paper without the use of scissors or adhesive. While designing a new penguin model, Michael LaFosse discovered similarities to a US Navy F-14 fighter plane and adapted his design.

Art Deco Wing, designed 1975

Folded from a square sheet of paper without the use of scissors or adhesive. Michael LaFosse considers this design to be his most significant contribution to the folding art of paper airplanes.

Flying Fox, designed 1980

Folded from a square sheet of paper without the use of scissors or adhesive. When viewed from above, the front of the model has a shape redolent of fox’s head.