Fractal Geometry on Etsy

Handpicked on Etsy
A Fractal, known to mathematicians as The Mandelbrot Set, is very simply defined as an object that displays infinitely complex self-similarity at all scales. Mathematically inclined artists can use Benoit Mandelbrot's iterated equation, Z = Z2 + C, to generate digital fractal images, or freehand art influenced by the fascinating iteration and recursion of fractals.

Inspired by the recent fascinating Nova feature about fractal geometry, I became curious to see whether Etsy artists consciously use fractals as inspiration and was pleased to find a few to showcase in today's feature.
While fractal patterns are evidenced everywhere in nature, from fern fronds to jagged mountain ranges, it is another of those phenomena we are often oblivious of or take for granted, until either a mathematician or a skilled artist invites us to focus on the mesmerizing beauty of natural repetition. Click on the pictures to go directly to these Etsy listings. Prices from $6.00 to $200.00.
Today's Etsy artists include: Roo84, Fractalgirl, kellydietrich, infraliminil, HAzevedo, lunarcus, ArtisticallySpeaking, bibbidibaubles

Pebbles: Minimally Altered States on Etsy

Handpicked on Etsy

Today's theme is pebbles and stones used in their natural, minimally altered state to create a well designed, sophisticated finished piece. My own recent pieces triggered my curiosity about what others are doing with found stones. I will save altered stone creations and stone-inspirations for another day, and limit this showcase to these truly extraordinary pieces found on Etsy. My attention was drawn to the skill and artistry applied in creating these elegant, organic pieces. I was intrigued by qualities of simplicity, sensitive use of materials, and unique ways of presentating the subject. These designers have clearly defined viewpoints that are worth reading, so please click on the pictures to visit these Etsy listings. Prices range from $22.50 to $800.00.

From top left to bottom, today's featured designers include: shellamie, Lymric, stonz, gerijarviscreations, stonestudios, boundearth, ReaganHayhurst, boundearth NOTE: See Stonz' comment for a special offer!

Miniature Art on Etsy: Start Your Own Bitty Museum

Handpicked on Etsy
Art afficianados who lack wall space or funds can collect small works on Etsy for a fraction of the price of standard format originals. ACEO stands for Art Card, Editions and Originals. It is surprising how much punch a good artist can pack into an ACEO, despite its diminutive standard size of 2.5 x 3.5 inches. Whether you crave abstract or representational art for your own pleasure or to enhance your home, you can curate and create your own personal miniature art gallery by collecting ACEO originals and prints. Click on the pictures to go directly to these Etsy Listing. Prices range from $3.00 to $15.00.
From top left to bottom right, today's artists include: printmakerjenn, jenlo262, haywardART, KathyMortonStanion, kristensteinfineart, kaslkaos, PaintingPrints, ParallaxPhoto, JessicaDoyle, NanLawson, asilart, dahliahousestudios

Enamel

Handpicked on Etsy
These Etsy jewelry artists explore enamel's possibilities with its intriquing color effects, referencing styles ranging from modern minimalist to nature-inspired, organic Arts & Crafts style of the late 19th Century. Ornamental enamel brings to mind traditional Cloisonne' or designers such as Louis Comfort Tiffany, and we often see it in baubles produced for the mass market. These wearable adornments remind us of what enamel combined with metal can become in the hands of a talented artist. Click on the pictures to go directly to these Etsy listings. Prices range from $32.00 to $255.00.

From top left to bottom right, these Etsy artists include: indigoflameworks, tekaandzoe, sugarfire, CharmdImSur, druizgig, jewelrybynatsuko, smashing, CharmdImSur, hazell, ChelleV2, designoptions, ChelleV2

Guest Opinion: Mimesis - Art Honoring Nature

Handpicked on Etsy by April (lunasheart)

Art, at its best, brilliantly parallels the aspects of Nature it aims to portray. The unifying theme among this group of artists is the depiction of the ephemeral loveliness of flowers. Each creation isolates and amplifies “flower-ness;” the quality that makes a flower a flower. Inspired by or based on actual flora, these representations pay a tribute to Nature without any pretense of equating with or surpassing Nature’s genius.

Artful photography does more than mirror its subjects; it creates intensified and idealized ‘portraits’ of them., so that a blue flower is not merely blue, it is the essence of blue: concentrated, velvety, seductive, even heavenly.

These examples of bodily adornment (earrings, hair pins) are like odes composed by each artist for his/her subject, rendering and reflecting the subject flower’s beauty.

Prices Range from $2.20 to $31.00. Click on the pictures to go directly to these Etsy listings.

April's Selections: Adornments: BeadsByEvelyn, Cultivar, and dorkdesign (Bug Bloomers); and Photography: dbPhoto, Lori411 and Starrybluesky

About Today's Guest Curator: April is the creative force behind lunasheart. April's selections and comments reflect her interest in how Nature inspires artistic expression. Visit April in her Etsy store, Cherry Icing!