Drawings from Three Sketchbooks (ii)
- Artist:
- Type: Print
- Medium: Digital print
- Production Date: 2017
- Copy Number: 1
- Edition: 5
- Description: The result of a collaboration between artist Rachel Duckhouse and Professor Maggie Cusack, Dean of the Faculty of Natural Sciences at the University of Stirling, which was exhibited in 'Seashells Build Bone' 10th April to 6th May 2018 at the Macrobert Arts Centre.
The artist says: I worked with biominerals expert Professor Maggie Cusack during a 10 month Leverhulme Trust funded artist residency, to explore the nano-patterns of mother of pearl shell (nacre) and their connection to human bone growth. Biominerals are minerals made by living organisms, including us - shells, coral, teeth and bones. Professor Cusack's research focuses on the intricate nano-patterns within sea shells and what they tell us about the wider world. Research has shown that on a nano scale, the patterned surface of mother of pearl shell (nacre) can stimulate human stem cells to turn into bone. Exactly how and why remains a bit of a mystery. It is this mystery that prompted Prof Cusack and I to work together, to see if our parallel fascination in the patterns of nature could inspire new questions and ideas.
Sketchbooks are an essential part of my research process. I use them to sketch out ideas, ask questions and develop a visual language around a particular subject. Drawing helps me figure out what I'm interested in and how to explore it. I used sketchbooks when talking with Maggie and her colleagues, to make notes and express my visual understanding of our conversations. Drawing them out raises questions, tests theories and challenges perceptions on both sides. - Dimensions: Framed: 117cm (H) x 90cm (W)
Unframed: 109.5cm (H) x 83cm (W) - Digital Copy:A digital copy exists.
- Location: Store
- Accession Number: 2018.3
- Contact: University of Stirling Art Collection
