My final piece, entitled “MY Family Tree”, was made using a CNC router. I used 3 sheets of .25″ Masonite with various circle cut into them to simulate the look of dividing cells. To achieve this look, I used Nervous System’s Radiolaria application to divide the “cells” corresponding to “1”s in translated binary code. Each sheet represents a member of my direct family: the red layer represents me, the black layer represents my boyfriend, and the silver layer represents my daughter. Our names and birth dates were translated into binary code and used to create the patterns in the piece. When overlaid, the audience can see some similarities and differences in our patterns. I personally appreciate the diagonal string of “0”s that runs through each of our layers. When stacked, the three distinct layers create a complex finished piece. I am able to continue to add layers to this piece as my family grows, hence, it will act as my own variation of a family tree.

This piece is meant to hang in my apartment’s living room as wall art.

I placed the work at my campus’s Biomolecular Engineering department for the in-class critique. I chose this location for a number of reasons. It was conveniently located near the classroom. It mimics the color palette of my piece. And most importantly, Biomolecular Engineering is the “purposeful manipulation of molecules of biological origin”, so the sentiment mimics my method of creating the piece, as well as the theme of the project. I very much appreciate the idea of “purposeful manipulation” in regards to a family tree. I have always hated family trees, because the family tree I grew up with was so screwed up and misleading. Biological relation means little to me because you can’t choose the family you were born into or who chose to stay a part of your family. Most of the people I would consider family wouldn’t necessary be a part of my family tree because we aren’t related by blood or even marriage. So beginning my own family tree through a piece like this is pretty meaningful, because I have purposefully placed these people in my life.

As science continues to develop new ways of perfecting the human body, will these advancements ever turn against the human race as a whole? Together, the living will “play God” hailing the possibility of immortality whilst disregarding the consequences of a life without death.

An abstracted chest encapsulating a mechanical heart.

This is the way a future society would present our natural world. They try to create a scientific image of our life, but they mix everything up a little. Instead of a typical white platform, the presentation stand is a gold stand reminiscent of ornate frames. Instead of an upright lake, there is an upside down representation of a lake.

IN TRAINING

HUNTING AND GATHERING

PREPARING FOR WINTER

“Simulacra’ is a term I first learned through Don Delillo’s novel “White Noise”, but it was coined by  french philosopher Jean Baudrillard in the 80’s. The concept is much better defined by an entire novel but to try to simplify, simulacra describes a relation between life and society as a kind of simulation. The lack of thrill, complacency, and detachment of the human condition, and the idea that there is something or someone just out of sight keeping the cogs turning.

     Imagine being able to talk with the person who taught you everything you know; being able to speak with them one last time. Alas, after their death, It can only happen in a dream. Black, symbolic of loss and death, and white, symbolic of life and vitality, cover each piece.; scarring in some areas and healing in others. The harshness of each angle combined with the heavy contrast in color allow each person who sits in the chair to assume a new role. “The Wiser”, tall, strong and bold or “The Lesser”, assuming a shorter stance, yearning in imitation of their “master’s” persona.

A bona fide conversation between two people who can overlook their differences in appearance or class strikes up where there is nothing to cover up who they truly are. Bare wood, bare walls, only the two chairs and some light.