By Glyn
I first had the idea to make an octopus wearable a few years ago, when I learned that octopuses are due to be intensively farmed for the first time in history.
The idea disturbed me deeply, especially given what we now know about their intelligence and emotional sensitivity.
Octopuses are astonishing creatures: they have nine brains—one central brain and one in each of their eight arms—and their nervous systems are so decentralised that each arm can act semi-independently. They have three hearts, blue blood (thanks to a copper-based protein called hemocyanin), and a capacity for problem-solving, mimicry, and play. Some can even recognise individual humans and open jars from the inside. Their emotional complexity is becoming more widely acknowledged, with studies showing signs of stress, pleasure, curiosity, and even possible dreaming during sleep.
(And yes—they really are “blue-blooded,” a label once metaphorically given to royalty, but far more deserved by these oceanic marvels.)
While many species live only 1–2 years, larger species like the Giant Pacific Octopus—on which this wearable is loosely based—can live up to 5 years or more. That makes the idea of farming them in cramped, artificial conditions even more ethically troubling.
This is the first time I’ve made such a large wearable sculpture. I’m grateful for the opportunity to do so in the Textiles@TAAG workshop. I learned a lot in the process. Douglas, who set the group up, shared valuable tips about shaping and structure, especially for the biggest technical challenge which was constructing the head. I’m also grateful to my long-time friend Jennie Sutton for helping with that part—it was great fun to work together.
My aim is to wear the octopus to demonstrations against sea pollution and, if they happen, protests against octopus farming. I hope it becomes a conversation starter and a visual reminder of just how extraordinary—and vulnerable—these creatures really are.
