Description
Plucked from the tidal flats of Humboldt Bay at low tide, this swamp dweller brings the marsh indoors. Humboldt Marsh Creature is a masterclass in layered textile construction—meticulously embroidered scales cover the entire serpentine body in varying shades of olive and sage green, creating reptilian texture that shifts with the light. Bloodshot eyes peer out from felt-ringed sockets, while antenna topped with rotating glass eyeballs wave above like periscopes surveying the scene. Deep teal accents, jagged glass teeth, purple beaded details, and a collar of dimensional buttons add pops of color against the monochromatic green palette. Leaf-like felt protrusions and raw fabric edges enhance the creature’s wild, just-emerged-from-the-wetlands aesthetic.
About the Piece
Part of Terri Rehg’s Monster Series, Humboldt Marsh Creature represents the artist’s deep connection to California’s North Coast ecology. Featured in both the 2024 Morris Graves Members Show and North Coast Studio Gallery Show, this piece demonstrates Terri’s technical prowess—the hundreds of individually embroidered scales alone represent hours of meticulous handwork. The elongated, serpentine form and botanical details create a creature that feels simultaneously ancient and alien, as if it’s been hiding in the marsh grasses for millennia.
Materials & Construction
One-of-a-kind mixed media soft sculpture featuring extensively embroidered felt scales in multiple shades of green, hand-stitched and appliquéd felt construction, bloodshot painted eyes, rotating glass eyeball antenna, deep teal felt accents, jagged glass teeth, purple beaded details, dimensional button embellishments, layered leaf-like protrusions, poly fill, and custom-painted lavender circular wooden plaque. The entire piece has been clear-coated for protection and durability.
Dimensions
- Plaque: 14″ diameter (circle)
- Overall with creature: approximately 18″ long x 10″ wide x 10″ deep
Display
Ready to hang. The serpentine form extends dramatically from the plaque, creating strong three-dimensional presence. Those rotating antenna eyes and layers of embroidered scales reward close inspection. The soft lavender plaque provides subtle contrast that lets the green creature take center stage.
Exhibition History
Featured in Morris Graves Members Show (2024) and North Coast Studio Gallery Show (2024)
Artist Statement: Discovering the faces that live within the canvas with the stroke of a needle is a journey with each piece created. It all starts with the eyes and builds from there and magically a new creature is born. The series in gray was first conceptualized as a canvas piece to paint on but so much came from the stark gray that the series continues to grow each piece totally different and unique.
Terri has been creating toys since she was a child and studied Textiles in school. Learning the craft of the toy maker is a dream that has taken a life time to achieve and now is able to incorporate into her artwork.. The oldest of eight children she has been “Sister” to a wonderful tight knit family that shares many artists in their flock. Pre2022 signed her work as “Sis”.
Textile Artist Terri Rehg
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