Ailments

We've been discussing science in art this week, and if you missed it see here and here. I mentioned my interest in combining science and art, and looks like I'm not alone - many of you expressed the same interest! I also promised to post some of my own artwork which incorporated science. This piece is called Ailments and it was one of my first major design projects. Not necessarily my best, but it helps show the beginning of my fascination with science and art.

The project started after a good friend had surgery due to a blood condition in his brain. Before my friend's surgery he showed me the x-rays of his brain. Probably sounds odd, but he knew I would be interested. I mean, come on...x-rays of a brain...who could pass that up?! Even though the surgery was scheduled the medical issue was quite sudden and unexpected, which worried me and my friends. I took my uncertainty and worry, along with his x-rays, and made art. Ailments is constructed of copied x-rays starting from the brain (my friend's x-rays) to the feet. I sewed red thread dipped in wax onto each transparent x-ray to symbolize life and pain.

The piece was presented in an art show where I was able to see how the public interacted with the work. I watched how people would gently run their fingers through the hanging string...like it was comforting. I realized the piece helped me deal with the emotions of my friend's condition, and touched others who experienced similar events. Today my friend is very well, the surgery was a huge success....and thus began my attraction to mixing science and art.

I hope you enjoyed - thanks for listening. I'll post another science related work this week - stay tuned!