“Do not pull at the difficult head, this teetering bulb of dread and dream.”- Russell Edson

By manipulating naturally established structures and repeated arrangements, I borrow metaphorical meaning from non-human organisms, expanding conversations of health and disease. My work draws attention to the effects of health on conscious perspective. Investigating how systematic disruptions impact the sense of self, I create visual manifestations of the emergence of patterns from complicated interactions between structural components within the body. Altering the perception of texture, my forms utilize biomimicry to react to the disorder disease causes in the architecture and function of living organisms while promoting community support for advancements in biomedical research and engineering.

Motivated by an awareness of the impact a disruption of the body can have on the sense of self, my work draws attention to the effects of health on conscious perspective. We think of ourselves as separate from our bodies, but we actually emerge from patterns of complicated interactions between our structural components. By manipulating naturally established structures and repeated arrangements, I borrow metaphorical meaning from non-human organisms which can expand the conversation of health to include all living organisms. 

I am not attempting to create pieces that mimic a realistic organ, but more promoting advancements in biomedical research and engineering. One such advancement is the use of 3D technology to print functioning organs. A printed organ is an artificially constructed replacement organ. The 3D printing techniques allow layer-by-layer construction of a cell scaffold in the shape of an organ structure. The organ is then grown around this scaffold from an individual’s own cells, which decreases rejection. The formation of these structures utilizes the innovative approach of biomimicry.

Biomimicry is the design and production of materials and systems that are modeled on biological entities and processes. It is a calling for individuals to work together as a community to support each other and fight disease. They’re part of a sensuous and tactile manifestation of texture. I see them as a continuation of my manipulation of naturally established structures and repeated arrangements. By copying patterns from non-human organisms, I borrow their metaphorical meanings. This enables me to explore the indirect impact of health issues and expand the conversation on health to include all living organisms. Using biomimicry, my sculptures become about more than just physical symptoms. I am recognizing that disease is multifaceted and affects all living organisms.