Nativity in Three Circles

2023
10″ x 10″ (inner felting)
12″ x 12″ (framed)
Status: Private Commission Gift

This piece was based on a illustration created by my wonderful friend, former colleague and brilliant graphic design artist, Danny Miller, who then commissioned the needle felting for his partner who collects nativities and has a deep appreciation for religious symbolism.

Danny designed several symbolic elements in the illustration. There are three concentric circles formed by the animals on the outside, then the family and then the baby Jesus which represents the Trinity. The three roosters represent Peter’s thrice denial of Christ. And the cow/ox symbolizes protection for the family and is also a common symbol in religious art. In early Christianity, the ox carried the symbolic meaning of sacrifice, and later service and strength. The ox also became a regular feature of nativities after St. Francis of Assisi, a well-known animal lover, staged the first nativity scene in 1223. ^[source]

This was a very challenging piece to needle felt. Being a custom illustration, most of the colors were created from a blend of three or more dyed fibers. The distinct lines and edges also meant for precise needle work and ensuring the fibers didn’t pull too far apart between the various design elements. Most of the design elements, including each of the background colors within the outer circle, were felted within a single sitting, but never more than one element per session.