Fierce Planets
Exploring the cosmos through fiber art and planetary science.
Iron snow, helium rain, and diamond icebergs might sound like science fiction, but they are real phenomena occurring within planets due to extreme heat and pressure. In their recent book, What’s Hidden Inside Planets?, planetary scientist Sabine Stanley and science journalist John Wenz guide readers through the enigmatic realms beneath planetary surfaces. They delve into how the interiors of Earth and other planets are intricately linked to the formation and regulation of atmospheres, oceans, earthquakes, and volcanoes. The book and Stanley’s research into these powerful forces inspired the artwork in the traveling exhibition Fierce Planets.
The juried exhibition is a collaboration between Studio Art Quilt Associates and the Johns Hopkins Wavelengths science communication program. Fierce Planets brings together work by artists from around the globe, each interpreting the mysteries of planets and space through fiber art. Their creations range from traditional quilts to fabric assemblages and soft sculptures, all inspired by Stanley’s research. Out of nearly 200 works submitted, 42 were selected to be part of the exhibition.
Fierce Planets isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about fostering a deeper understanding of and connection to the universe, inviting viewers to explore the beauty and complexity of planets through a unique lens.
Carolina Oneto, Imaginary Places IV, 2023, cotton fabrics, cotton batting, threads for piecing and quilting, 56 x 55 inches.
Anne Bellas, Soleil et Lunes (Sun and Moons), 2020, hand dyed, printed, machine pieced, machine quilted, cotton sateen, commercial fabrics, 46 x 36 inches.
Claire Passmore, Hot Stuff, 2023, cotton, silk, velvet, felt, tulle, nonwoven fabrics, threads, wool, continuous zip, pvc, fiber filling, dye, acrylic and enamel paint, plastic bottles, gold leaf, mica powder, glue, steel wire, 92.5 x 53 x 49 inches.
