Page 7 - 50 Years of Fiber Art: The Fiber Artists of San Antonio Exhibition Catalog

Nettie Birnbaum

Texas, FASA member, netb95@aol.com

DECADE: 2010s

Planet in Peril - Urban Heat Island
My felted art consists of wisps of fiber which I process using soap, friction, and pressure
to create fabric that I embellished using embroidery floss, beads, and other materials to
add details, texture and interest. The inspiration for my art is the environment and my
love of nature.

“Planet in Peril" is a representation of Bexar County nighttime temperatures in August
2014. Since the 18th century scientists, artists and poets have recognized the negative
impact of humans on the planet. Currently heatwaves, floods, wildfires, extreme storms,
and drought signal the
climate crisis; the
impacts are global.
Heat distribution is not
equitable; areas that
have high density
housing and fewer
trees are hotter. During
the summer of 2022
the downtown area
was 14 degrees F.
hotter than surrounding
rural areas of the
county.

Planet In Peril - Urban
Heat Island, 2022
3D felted picture
mounted on eco printed
paper
23" x 18" x 0.5”
NFS