The Wire Zoo

This inspirational picture book biography tells the story of how neurodivergent artist Elizabeth Berrien created three-dimensional wire sculptures and went on to become the “godmother” of contemporary wire sculpture, perfect for fans of The Girl Who Thought in Pictures.

Elizabeth Berrien has always had a special way of seeing the world. When she looks at animals, her mind imagines energy lines flowing across the surface of their bodies. Thin lines and thick lines. Bright lines and dim lines. The flowing lines make each animal unique and beautiful.

She wondered, How can I copy these lines so others can see them too? Elizabeth isn’t very good at drawing, so she tried many other different kinds of art. But none seemed quite right…until she discovered wire sculpting. And so began her journey of using three-dimensional wire sculptures to share her vision with the world.