Sierra Burton, Student Work, Natural History of the Senses Assignment

Frozen Fibers 

Frozen Yarn and Hair in an 8-ounce Glass

“Even though we can’t puff up our fur the way other animals do, either to look big and mean or to keep warm, we have tiny leftover erector pili muscles that cause some of our hairs to stand up when we’re cold or scared.” Diane Ackerman, A Natural History of the Senses, page 93. 

Statement: The idea behind this piece was to show the human delicacy that can come with fear. From afar, the hair seems to be soft and suspended in water. However, to the touch, the fibers are cold and frozen, formed into spikes.