Over on Neatorama there's a post about Giant Microbes, a company that produces adorable plush toys that look like yukky diseases. Archie McPhee has been selling Parasite Pals for a while now; who knew cute li'l ickies could be so popular? And then there's the medical student who draws cartoons of bacteria.
While not focusing on the cute, painters like Suzanne Joelson and Dr. Lizzie Burns have been inspired by the wonders found under the microscope.
Fascination with the itty bitty is nothing new. The Victorians practiced the obscure art of "arranged" slides, complete with fancy paper covers; and there's the work of Ernst Haeckel, whose engravings of diatoms and other minutae still dazzles.
Well, I'm inspired. I think it's time to go look up something mysterious, spooky, and altogether ooky to sew while I watch the Addams Family DVD. Microscopic mates, anyone?
pictured: E. coli (Escherichia coli), Bed Bug (Cimex lectularius), Ulcer (Helicobacter pylori), Flesh Eating (Streptococcus pyogenes)
Are these life-size?
Posted by: Bob | November 18, 2006 at 03:44 PM
I love these dolls!
And hey, I didn't know about those "arranged slides" thingies! I should know about them, how'd I miss that? I think you should have a "Kip Class" where people like me can learn all sorts of obscure stuff. Teach me Kipper, teach me!
Posted by: BReid | November 19, 2006 at 12:17 PM
Man, I think I could go for a set of these. Not bad as stuffed animals go!
Posted by: Kamala | November 19, 2006 at 10:25 PM
I couldn't decide which is cuter, yeast or pimple.
Posted by: Miss Cellania | November 20, 2006 at 08:36 PM
I bet you never thought you'd be typing those words!
Posted by: Kipling | November 20, 2006 at 09:14 PM