bfa thesis 2010
scum! an aesthetic exploration of the diatom
When envisioning algae, one does not picture tiny silica snowflakes or intricate rods and wheels; one generally imagines pond scum, or the brown film inside the glass of a fish tank. While this common notion of algae is technically correct, “scum” is actually a collection of various classes of microscopic algae, one of which is the diatom. Because of my upbringing as the daughter of two botanists, I have developed an aesthetic appreciation of both vascular plants and algae. As far back as I can remember, I recall my father discussing diatoms in his work. His interest in these organisms piqued my own; I specifically recall his claim that diatoms would make beautiful jewelry, and I have subsequently viewed them with that potential in mind.
I have created an array of body-oriented sculpture that represents diatoms with scientific accuracy. My interest in botanical illustration has influenced the manner in which I depict these fascinating organisms. As I transform them into jewelry; I strive to retain the unique features of each species of diatom, which would allow my pieces to be readily identified by a botanist. I integrate sterling silver, carved acrylic, and transparent colored resin into my work. Each technique represents a method by which botanists view or depict diatoms. The transparency of resin and acrylic replicates the image of a diatom sample on a light microscope slide, while cast sterling imitates the relief view of scanning electron microscope images. Intricately pierced sterling sheet mimics two dimensional botanical line drawings found in scientific journals. The majority of my pieces contain a kinetic component that, along with saturated color, abstractly represents the movement and coloring of diatoms themselves. Through my collection, I exalt the diatom for its intrinsic aesthetic qualities, and allow its form to speak for itself, with minimum decorative embellishment.
When envisioning algae, one does not picture tiny silica snowflakes or intricate rods and wheels; one generally imagines pond scum, or the brown film inside the glass of a fish tank. While this common notion of algae is technically correct, “scum” is actually a collection of various classes of microscopic algae, one of which is the diatom. Because of my upbringing as the daughter of two botanists, I have developed an aesthetic appreciation of both vascular plants and algae. As far back as I can remember, I recall my father discussing diatoms in his work. His interest in these organisms piqued my own; I specifically recall his claim that diatoms would make beautiful jewelry, and I have subsequently viewed them with that potential in mind.
I have created an array of body-oriented sculpture that represents diatoms with scientific accuracy. My interest in botanical illustration has influenced the manner in which I depict these fascinating organisms. As I transform them into jewelry; I strive to retain the unique features of each species of diatom, which would allow my pieces to be readily identified by a botanist. I integrate sterling silver, carved acrylic, and transparent colored resin into my work. Each technique represents a method by which botanists view or depict diatoms. The transparency of resin and acrylic replicates the image of a diatom sample on a light microscope slide, while cast sterling imitates the relief view of scanning electron microscope images. Intricately pierced sterling sheet mimics two dimensional botanical line drawings found in scientific journals. The majority of my pieces contain a kinetic component that, along with saturated color, abstractly represents the movement and coloring of diatoms themselves. Through my collection, I exalt the diatom for its intrinsic aesthetic qualities, and allow its form to speak for itself, with minimum decorative embellishment.
