Workshop participants learn the fundamentals of animal anatomy, dissection and culturing that are used to investigate specimens. Workshops are held in an open forum setting with orientation to the history of artistic practice in the scientific field.
Past Workshops:
- Eyebeam's Digital Day Camp, NY USA (2006)
- The Cube, Bristol UK (2004)
- Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, NY USA (2003 -2005)
- Massachussetts College of Art and Design, MA USA (2003)
- University of California, Santa Cruz, USA (2003)
- San Francisco Art Institute, CA USA (2002)
DIY DNA DAY
The Cube, Bristol UK (2004)
Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is a biochemical macromolecule that contains the genetic code for all living organisms and viruses. James Watson and Francis Crick were credited with modeling the structure of DNA in 1953. Since then, DNA and its functions have been in the forefront of scientific research and controversies surrounding the manipulation of the double helix strands. DNA directs an organism’s biological development and functions. In human beings, the expressed traits like hair color or disease processes are examples of genetic instructions dictated by DNA.
Presented were the structure of DNA, the purpose of genetics and how genetic information affects the diversity of living organisms. Participants shared their knowledge of the basics of genetic engineering and modification and discussed the impact our society has experienced through medical treatment to the foods we eat. While learning and sharing, everyone performed fundamental laboratory methods. The workshop concluded in using the extracted DNA in the production of personalized DNA Lip Balm.
CLICK IMAGE FOR DETAIL:
RPI WORKSHOP
Troy, NY (2003 - 2005)
Workshop for Arts Department. Orientation to basic dissection, anatomy and biological functions demonstrated through use of recently culled bovine head from local abattoir. Discussion about operations of seeing, sensing and cognition of animals.
CLICK IMAGE FOR DETAIL:
MASSARTS WORKSHOP
Massachusetts, MA (2003)
For Massachusetts College of Art and Design's Survey of Performance Art Class. Students learned basic dissection with cow eyes discarded from a local abattoir. Discussed were the eye anatomy, the gaze in respect to aesthetics or perspective and the use of living material for art/performance.
CLICK IMAGE FOR DETAIL:
