“Formally speaking, I like the geometric angles of the folded papers and how the light hits the wings and causes subtle color changes- this is simply delightful.” Melanie Newcombe's paper airplane body of work emerged out of a specific time of healing that she experienced and the ensuing emotional freedom that came from that time. The paper airplane has become a symbol of freedom for Melanie. With its ethereal gliding and whimsy the paper airplane sculptures lift our eyes and imaginations as we follow their flight. "Folding" was completed June of 2010. It emerged as the maker, the flight giver, the "mother" of the planes.           While visiting France in 2010, I sat for hours in various Roman Catholic Churches in numerous cities.  I recall the damp atmosphere of prayer and quietness soaking into my soul.  Transfixed by the marvelous achievements of the artists within this context, I was swept up emotionally into the stories I saw in the paintings, architecture, and sculptures.  I knew that I would use these encounters in my work eventually, though I couldn’t see how at the time.  Prior to France, I had been working with the paper airplane as a symbol for me of freedom.  After my return to California, I gravitated without intention toward visions of the iconic images I’d seen in France juxtaposed with paper airplanes.  I created many sketches of “Hallowed”, and felt uneasy with the two ideas put together.  I also had to overcome my insecurities about being derivative.  As I worked to overcome these barriers internally and through making the sculptures, I experienced a quietness return to me as “Hallowed”, “Strength and Song”, and “Jubilee” came to be.