Artful Anatomy

In my own work, I strive to use anatomy and architecture to define equality between living things; using the patterns that exist within us all to create work that, hopefully, humbles and unifies. Guiding a group of 11-14 year old artists in using these elements of anatomy to inspire design was a fun, fantastically inspiring end to my summer. In Artful Anatomy, at IS183 Art School, we explored the microscopic structures in our body; transposing the patterns and repetitive designs found in core elements like cells, muscle fibers or bones into art. As always, I brought in my collection of animal skills to inspire along with antique medical illustrations and anatomical models. 

We looked at a variety of artists along the way......
The students and I created collaged self portraits inspired by Matthieu Bourel and Damien Poulin.

We looked at NYC based illustrator, Kevin Hong's, anatomical Tibetan thangka inspired work which led my students to many questions! So, we wrote to him, and he graciously shared his inspiration and even a few preliminary sketches! 

Students illustrated their own medical drawings to "explain" a physical issue. The piece to the right illustrates that "lump in your throat" feeling.....

Looking at Art Nouveau wallpapers, students sketched stylized designs that we later used for our own linocut wallpaper patterns. The students were so creative with their use and abstraction of anatomical imagery. 

"We really got into the heart of design (pun intended) when students used anatomy to advertise a product of their choosing. We looked at a number of advertisements that use the human body and even Lucy Foakes' amazingly witty "can-opic" jars. The students got a kick out of her designs of "metaphorical fizzy drinks for parched Pharaohs in the afterlife" and created humorous sculptures of their own products.