Design4Science

There is a great deal of interest in the interface between art & science. Existing sci/art projects tend to focus on the role of the artist in communicating scientific discoveries. Work in this exhibition was developed as part of ‘Pulse the stuff of life’ (40% authorship) the aim of which was to achieve a greater level of depth through developing a practice-based method for reconnecting the epistemologies of craft and science (i.e. ‘embodied’ craft and ‘mentalist’ science) in a new collaborative epistemology. Craft intelligence and rapid prototyping have been critical tools in working towards this. Raw protein data was provided by the Medical Research Council in Cambridge and utilising software created by the Milwaulkee School of Engineering some of the first 3D rapid prototyped models of proteins in the UK were created. Through the use of rapid prototyping, structural elements such as strands and helixes were isolated and rearranged to create new and original jewellery artefacts mirroring the way in which proteins are formed within nature. Interacting with protein forms in this novel physical manner has re-introduced an experiential dimension in science that was previously missing. Design4Science exhibition venues: Manchester Museum of Science and Technology (12 November – 21 December); Nobel Museum, Stockholm (16 January - 14 March 2008); Cambridge Science Festival (27 March – 30 April 2008). Selected work from ‘Pulse the stuff of life’ received critical acclaim as evidenced by its inclusion in exhibitions and events in Birmingham Institute of Art & Design 13th - 16th September 2006, Ars Ornata Europeana Conference Inside/Out Manchester July 2007 One piece of jewellery has also been part of the International Schmuck Origin Touring Exhibition. The new methods in this project have also created demands for further collaboration from Edinburgh University and UCLA, USA. Evidence: Exhibition Catalogue and portfolio of supporting evidence.5 pieces approximately 83 x 37 m eac