Sunday, January 23, 2011

Inspiration: Abigail Reynolds



While researching a post for my other blog I came across the amazing crochet installations of London-based artist Abigail Reynolds.  This is her Grand Mutator piece which started from the pattern for a basic string bag. Her inspiration for the piece comes from the Darwinian theory of evolutionary mutations, where mistakes in the coding cause a progressive change over time. 


Reynolds also cites the 1960s toxicity tests performed on spiders as a key source of inspiration. 


This is her only public crochet installation (that I know of) but you can see more of Reynolds' work on her website.


p.s. I've tried anarchic crochet and I couldn't do it... I just couldn't make myself not follow the rhythm of crochet, if that makes sense? So, there's awe in this post too ;) Have you tried it? What's the secret?

6 comments:

  1. wowee, Abigail's work is beautiful! I really loved reading about her inspirations too. Very intriguing, and I never knew they tested on spiders - what don't we humans test on? Totally get what you mean about not being able to do the chaotic free form crochet. I can't crochet to save my life, but I sometimes find myself annoyingly unable to relax when painting - getting fixated on neat lines. Terrible! Sorry for the essay - hope you're having a fun weekend Kylie! xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  2. Can't believe they did these tests on spiders- !!!-Her work is so intriguing and sensitive- thank you for sharing Kylie- xx

    ReplyDelete
  3. There really is a strange kind of beauty in imperfection. I really admire artists like Abigail who can embrace that. Let me know if you discover the secret.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Let’s just say I haven't intentionally tried anarchic crochet. And mine didn't look anything like those beauties.

    ReplyDelete
  5. very inspiring, makes me wanna draw!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Wow, I love her work. going to check out more. Hope you have a lovely weekend Kylie x

    ReplyDelete