The tradition of egg dying began eons ago in Mesopotamia. The idea of millions of people coming together in a short span of time on an artistic endeavor is the ultimate in group art projects! With a graphics background, the ways in which everyday people express themselves in this annual endeavor is fascinating to me. There are natural dyes, vinegar-based dyes, kool-aid dyes… Then there are patterns; some like symmetrical lines and dots, or patterns like flowers and hearts. Some use crayons and markers, some use glitter or temporary tattoos.
© GingerBread Snowflakes
As a modern invention, there are even robot-assisted devices to help more complex patterns like the Egg-Bot. As you know well by now, the intersection of science and art is especially exciting to me, as I am passionate about these two mediums joining!
The Egg-Bot is a plotter that prints with pens on curved items. It runs with inkscape, and draws vector graphics on eggs with its “inkscape” software. Look at the intricate patterns one can develop!
Egg-Bot decorated eggs
There’s another direction that I wish I could afford (if for no other reason than my investment portfolio): The Faberge Egg: those bejeweled and precious eggs, created especially for royalty. Peter Carl Fabergé made Easter gifts for Russian Tsars, their wives and mothers--often called the 'Imperial' Fabergé eggs. Of about 50 eggs that were made, only 43 have survived.
Rose Trellis Egg
Whatever the design, April is perfect time to think outside the…umm…egg. 😉