Alchemists and philosophers determined that the world was created of four basic elements, and that for each, there existed a creature made of, and attuned to, that element.

Elemental was designed for the special Quilters’ Guild category at the Festival of Quilts 2008. The category theme was “elemental” to be interpreted in any way.

Elemental brings together the four classical elements – earth, air, fire, water – as described by the 16th century alchemist, physician, astrologer and occultist Paracelsus. These elements (along with Aether – the “quintessence” or fifth element) were understood to be the basis not only of physical matter but of understanding existence itself. Correspondences could be made between the elements and astrology, astronomy, medicine (the humours), the seasons, the points of the compass – even temperament and human experience. And, for each element, there was believed to be a creature who embodied its qualities and for whom the element was its natural home.

Each of the four quadrants of this piece includes not only the creature but its corresponding compass direction, its alchemical symbol (in the outer corner) and the alchemical symbols for the corresponding season and signs of the zodiac.

The gnome embodies Earth – its season is winter, its time of day night, and its zodiacal signs are Capricorn, Taurus and Virgo. Earth corresponds to the North, to the planet earth, and its body humour is black bile. People with an excess of black bile are melancholy. Earth is the element of practical things, physical sensation and money. Other Earth creatures are the knocker, gomme, coblynau, brownie, pixie, goblin and kobold.

The sylph is a creature of Air – its season is spring, its time of day morning, and its zodiacal signs are  Gemini, Libra and Aquarius. Air corresponds to the East, to the stars, and its body humour is blood. People with an excess of blood are sanguine. Air is the element of the intellect, of abstract thought, of ideas. Air spirits include the alan, fairy and tenga.

The salamander is a Fire spirit – its season is summer, its time of day noon, and its zodiacal signs are Aries, Leo and Sagittarius. Fire corresponds to the South, to the sun, and its body humour is yellow bile. People with an excess of yellow bile are choleric. Fire is the element of intuition, of action, of movement. Dragons, domoviks, aitvaras, drakes and drachen are also creatures of Fire.

The undine is the Water maiden – its season is autumn, its time of day evening, and its zodiacal signs are Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces. Water corresponds to the West, to the moon, and its body humour is phlegm. People with an excess of phlegm are phlegmatic. Water is the element of emotion, of relationship and love. Nixies, naiads, nereids, sirens, silkies, mermaids and merrows – all are water spirits.

Elemental is 40″ x 40″ and has been exhibited at:

• The Festival of Quilts (2008) at Birmingham, UK