May – July 2008
The Hyperbolic Crochet Coral Reef is a large scale, constantly mutating series of handmade crochets that replicate the forms of natural coral.
The project, organised by the Los Angeles-based Institute For Figuring, is a direct response to the plight of coral reefs from pollution and global warming. Fusing science and mathematics with fine art and handicraft, the IFF reef is constantly updated by an ever-expending group of participants from around the world.
I designed the concept for a new crochet collection in the Hyperbolic project series, commissioning the alien-like boulders adorned with crochetted coral that take inspiration from the artificial “reef balls” that are submerged in oceans, lakes and rivers by scientists and conservationists to encourage the colonisation of coral ecosystems and provide new homes for marine wildlife.
The crochetted coral of the UK Reef has been made by people from all walks of life from complete beginners to experienced crochet artists across the UK. The UK Reef went onto tour the country with the Craft Council.
Gallery
