Twin sisters Margaret Wertheim and Christine Wertheim started the Crochet Coral Reef in 2005. The project combined mathematics, marine biology, feminine handicraft and environmental activism. Margaret Wertheim and Christine Wertheim were concerned by the effect of global warming on the coral reefs. Coral is fragile and can die from the slightest increase in water temperature. This is the cause of coral bleaching. If the temperature does not go back down the coral will start to die. The connection between crochet and coral is the shape. The shape, in mathematical terms, is hyperbolic geometry. This type of geometry was first discovered in the 19th century. Many mathematicians tried and failed to create a physical model of hyperbolic geometry. It wasn’t until 1997 when mathematician Dain Taimina figured out it could be modelled through crochet. The base pattern is relatively simple, crochet three into a single crochet then repeat. I realized that I was already fascinated with this shape in my own practice. I had stumbled upon it by accident when trying to crochet a flat circle. Through this discovery I have come to understand how my practice can sit alongside the coral reefs. I can see a correlation between the shapes and nature throughout my work. Different colour, ply and size were about to create diversity throughout the reef, but Margaret Wertheim talks about how people changed and added embellishments to the original pattern. By deviating from the base pattern the ‘coral’ becomes more life-like, gaining a natural feel. “We have this ever evolving crochet taxidermy tree of life.”1
1 Margaret Wertheim, “Margaret Wertheim: The beautiful math of coral,” April 21, 2009, Video, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zGEDHMF4rLI.
Sarah Jacquiline 