This is o-FISH-ally the new CBC Arts logo for September

Every month, we feature a new take on the CBC Arts logo created by a Canadian artist. Check out our previous logos!

It's shrimply the best. How else to describe this CBC gem by Hiné Mizushima, a Vancouver-based fibre artist who's drawn to prawn and all manner of critters. Jellyfish, slugs, xylophone-rocking octopi: her portfolio is a whimsical encyclopedia of the animal kingdom rendered in felt, yarn and beads. 

"Natural history museums and aquariums always fascinate me," says Mizushima, who's just as inspired by vintage arts and crafts from Japan (where the artist grew up). For this particular piece, which has been crafted with a punch needle on linen, she went with an undersea theme. Why? Just for the halibut! But we couldn't be happier with how it turned out. She told us more about her work over email.

Name: Hiné Mizushima

Homebase: Vancouver

Let's talk about your design! What inspired the concept? 

I chose my favourite theme, sea creatures! 

I love how much personality you've packed into each of those little guys. (That's really true of all your fibre work over the years!) What is it about aquatic animals? Why are they such a favourite subject of yours?

I just love their looks, especially squids and octopi. They look cute and so cool. And octopi are one of the most intelligent marine species!

I understand that you were a designer and illustrator before you began working in different fibre crafts. How long have you been making fibre art now?

After I moved to Vancouver from Brooklyn, I started in on it by making some puppets for a music video using a needle-felting technique. So it has been about 14 years!

What's special about the medium? Why do you love it?

My first three-dimensional craft work was done with needle-felting technique using beautiful, fluffy, dyed-wool fibres. I liked it because it allowed me to create shapes like clay sculptures. However, after I injured my shoulder from too much needle felting, I started using felt as my main medium. 

Felt is a material that I have been familiar with since I was in Japan. (Japanese felt is soft, super good quality and inexpensive!) And as I am not good with a sewing machine (I'm a bit scared of it), I like the fact that it is easy to control with hand-sewing and no fraying edges! I also really love the colours and textures of wool yarn, so I have a lot of different kinds. I use it for soft sculpture, punch needle and weaving. Sometimes, I just look at it and feel enchanted. I'm very interested in all kinds of different materials, so I always incorporate them into my work.

What's the project you're most proud of?

I'm so proud to have worked for Adobe Creative Cloud and the New York Times (web campaign), but my proudest commissioned project was a music video, "Lake Monsters," for my favourite band, They Might Be Giants. I used kogin embroidery technique for it.

It's hard to choose, but my favourite felt sculptures at the moment are probably Giant Mosquito and The Anatomy of Small Ear Squid.

Any new projects that you can tell us about? What are you working on these days?

I've just finished a solo exhibition that was on for two months in Tokyo. Now I am working on some soft sculpture pieces for an art museum-themed group show in Osaka, Japan in fall. I'm making lots of little tentacles these days.

What's your favourite place to see art?

The Natural History Museum in London! I went there three years ago for the first time. The exhibits, the architecture, the old display furniture, the walls and columns carved with plants and animals: everything was fascinating. I hope I can visit it again. I also like to see many amazing works of art through my computer in my little studio.

Was this photo taken in your studio?

I've got to say I'm envious of your collection of toys and scientific models and things. Do you use them as reference materials when you're making art? How so?

Yes, it's my bright little studio. Most of the toys and scientific models in my studio were found after I had made my art. I just bought them because I loved them. I usually research the internet and vintage and modern books first when I'm making art. But those 3D objects are very informative. If I had more models I'd definitely use them for reference.

Who's the last artist you discovered online? 

Isamu Gakiya. I don't know much about him, but I love his drawing lines and weird girls.

What work of art do you wish you owned?

U.S.-based Japanese artist Mariko Kusumoto's beautiful fibre work. 

Where can we see more from you?

My websites (www.hinemizushima.com and Behance) and you can find me on Instagram. I post almost every day!

This conversation has been edited and condensed.