Clusters is comprised of the accumulated work of 2007‐08, and is based largely on Ernst Haeckel’s scientific illustrations from the mid‐1800’s of single‐celled organisms and protozoa. The organisms he has drawn are simultaneously other-worldly and familiar, with patterns and pleasing proportions that are universal, and truly amazing. I chose patterns from Haeckel’s illustrations almost at random, and drew the patterns onto sheets of Japanese paper that I had previously printed with photographs from nature. The newly cut pieces resemble some sort of cross between lace doilies and scientific diagrams, but after the pieces have been wadded into a tight balls and then opened up and spread out, the character of the webbed structure is transformed. The wrinkles, creases, and irregularities of the previously regular pattern evoke images of the skins and husks of things that are no longer alive, but somehow still capable of movement.

Clusters 4, 6, 7, and 8. 2008. Cut, sculpted, and layered inkjet prints on Japanese paper, insect pins. Each piece approximately 11x15”

“At a certain point, you just have to admit that your brain knows much more than you do.”
Mark Jung Beeman, neuroscientist at Northwestern University.