The 2021 first quarter challenge from the Felting and Fibre Studio going out to all felters, spinners, weavers, stitchers, knitters, crocheters and mixed media fibre artists is to make something inspired by the decade 1900 – 1909.
Normally, with so many possibilities, I would spend quite some time looking at the different options but this time I knew instantly where I would be taking my inspiration from. It would be the book Art Forms in Nature which consists of stunning illustrations by the German biologist and professor of zoology, Ernst Haeckel. These illustrations were first published in 1904 and so fit the brief perfectly!
Haeckles illustrations have provided a source of inspiration for many designers and artists over the years starting with the Art Nouveau movement and continuing today.
Source: https://aboutartnouveau.wordpress.com/2014/04/10/a-sea-of-glass/
A recurring shape seen throughout this book is the hexagon, hardly surprising as it’s everywhere we look in nature……from the basalt pillars of the Giants Causeway to honeycomb, it’s also found in the eyes of insects, tortoise shells, algae, fish scales and microscopic Protozoa…..the list goes on and on!
The first was a very simple form which can be open or closed.
The second was created using exactly the same template and resist but what was negative space on the top layer in the first sample became positive space in the second, creating a totally different look.
If you are interested in joining in this particular challenge, or any future challenges, or if you simply want to see what others have created you can find details on the Felt and Fibre Studio website
Lincs In Stitches 
I love these Karen, I wish the Bergschaf I have felted as nicely as yours.
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Thanks Arlene, I import mine from Austria and love how it felts.
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Are you on commission? After our meeting I know I’m not alone in acquiring this fascinating book.
Your negative/positive interpretations of the hexagon are inspiring.
Did you use differential shrinkage to achieve the domes or did you pad out under each individual resist or a combo?
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Ha, ha…..I wish I was on commission! The domes were made with differential shrinkage but because I’m going to be taking them to shows/classes I’ve mounted them on board and added padding to avoid them getting flattened. Also this allows me to get the central dome slightly higher than the outer ones.
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Thanx for the explanation. X
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This is remarkable — both Haeckel’s illustrations and your interpretations.
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Thank you Mariss, it’s proving to be a great source of inspiration.
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The book and the shapes are amazing. I particularly like the last one but the others would be interesting with something inside them. I am looking forward to seeing what you do with them.
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Thanks Ann. This could be an ongoing project!
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Love these Karen! Thanks for letting us know about this resource. Very inspiring 🙂
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Thanks Ruth, it’s a nice book to have.
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Wow, this is fascinating, and now I can see the background and inspiration to the pieces I loved when I saw them on Instagram, they are even more amazing!
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Thanks Alex. I had intended to do something inspired by this book for a little while and this was the perfect opportunity.
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Your inspiration source is fab! The pieces you’ve made are incredibly good and so interesting to look at – especially like the embroidered one!
Challenge nailed!
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Thanks Lyn, and thanks for setting the challenge….looking forward to hearing what the next one will be.
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They are really beautiful. I love looking through this book. Mesmerising isn’t it.
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It really is….plenty of inspiration in there to keep us busy!
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Ernst Haeckel is new to me, and I’m quite excited with what you have shown us. I feel inspired to make some fiber objects based on his designs.
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That’s great to hear Laura, I hope you have fun with it!
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