They Blinded Me With Science

 

Posted by Valerie, Senior Editor

It's funny how, once high school chemistry class recedes far enough into your memory, you can get a little, well, nostalgic for it. Glass beakers start to seem like fantastic vases or pitchers for punch, and you may even consider plunking down a triple-digit sum for an antique hanging anatomy chart. Okay, maybe it's just me. But recent evidence suggests that I'm not the only one obsessing over science in a crafty or designey way.

Last year, a friend sent me a link to this crocheted coral reef project, developed by The Institute for Figuring, "an organization dedicated to the poetic and aesthetic dimensions of science, mathematics and the technical arts," (says the web site). The site gets into some pretty heavy theoretical stuff, but all you need to know is that there are tips online for making your own mohair-wool-blend coral masterpiece, and you can even submit it for inclusion in the reef.

But wait -- there's more! Hot on the heels of the IFF are developmental psychologist Marjorie Taylor and psychiatrist Karen Norberg of The Museum of Scientifically Accurate Fabric Brain Art, who recreate anatomically correct "gray matter" using vibrant yarn, quilted fabric squares, and embroidery.

Meanwhile, artist Louisa Bufardeci is embroidering transcripts of taped phone conversations (both famous and personal) and anti-war speeches. They're equal parts beautiful and clever.

And finally, the MoMA Store is carrying DNA prints created by biotech entrepreneurs using a swab of the buyer's saliva.

Only one question remains: Who is going to bring back safety goggles? My money's on Prada.

Comments

[Valerie]

Hi Angela,
Thanks for the comment! I think a few different blogs have run photos of the DNA portraits and embroidered conversations--they must be universally appealing!--but I haven't seen anyone bring all 4 of these projects together in one place. (If they have, my apologies!) And the cheery orange photo we both used was simply the best (and brightest) environmental shot on the DNA11 site. But we do love your blog, and your posts on these items, and are happy to send people to Shelterrific.com!

[Angela M.]

Hi Val! Love the crocheted coral reef idea! So fun.

We wrote also about the DNA portraits and embroidered phone conversations on Shelterrific.com. I believe that's where your DNA photo came from... If so, a little link love would be appreciated. I'll be sure to do the same if inspired by your posts here.

Many thanks!

Angela M.

[Cate O'Malley]

Love that MOMA print. It's actually the color of our bedroom walls. Nice!

[martha]

safety goggles and Prada? Perfect.

[Fairfax]

I love the coral reef. Apparently, this can only be crocheted, not knitted.

[Geninne]

Valerie, thank you so much for an incredibly inspiring post :) I'm blown away by such smart beauties.