After finishing the SciArt Center residency with Darcy Johnson, I eagerly returned to this project. It is based on a pretty well known sciart image of a mouse retina, which is much more complex than those on which I've based most of my previous work. I knew that this project would take a very long time to... Continue Reading →
The Retina – Part I
Since starting to create SciArt out of beads in 2016, I have mostly been making framed canvases with one or several central objects, mostly neuronal cells. These works were meant to resemble images acquired under a fluorescence microscope, primarily coming from in vitro neuronal cultures, which I have worked with so much in the lab.... Continue Reading →
Learning some new beading techniques
While in between projects, I decided to learn some new beading techniques. I recently came across some amazing beadwork on Instagram by Julie Mars (@jamfinearts) and got inspired. I have a ton of multicolored beads that I don’t use for my main projects, so I decided to use them for learning how to bead around a... Continue Reading →
Intricacies of scientific models
I have always been a sucker for fancy and intricate scientific devices. I don't want to say instruments, because that would imply electronic equipment. Although even there, if it has to do with imaging cells, I'm in! But I am referring more to items that you can actually touch and interact with, especially on a... Continue Reading →
So grateful for this feedback
This quote was recently posted on Facebook in association with my latest piece "Sunrise". I am so thankful for the kind words from one of my customers Carla Harris! "I love the art of Yana Zorina, a neuroscientist whose artworks are inspired by her field of scientific research. I have been following this blog for... Continue Reading →
“Sunrise”
One of the major challenges in the field of neuroscience is the poor ability of neurons to regenerate after acute injury. Conditions such as spinal cord injury sever the neuronal connections, leading to permanent paralysis with no treatments currently available. After birth, the vast majority of neurons lose their ability to divide and create new cells,... Continue Reading →
Creating retrospective art stories
Between the lines I was never a big fan of English classes in school. I really like to read, but it always irked me when a teacher would ask us questions about what the author may have meant to be read "between the lines". Unless the author wrote an autobiography, there is no way to... Continue Reading →
“Hope”
Ever since going through a traumatic experience in 2017, I have been working on expressing my emotions through art. In 2017, I created "Tortured", where the nerve scar represents a shocking life event that acts as a significant barrier to moving forward. Despite its presence, some brave growth tips manage to break through. They show resilience,... Continue Reading →
“Art of the Brain” Exhibition
I am thrilled to announce that my artwork will be featured at the”Art of the Brain” exhibit at Mount Sinai next Monday (3/12). There will be an opening reception and over 80 total pieces of scientific images and sculptures from Sinai. The reception will be held at 6 – 8 pm and the exhibit will... Continue Reading →
“All Wrapped Up”
Here is the long promised piece I made last year. It is based on a confocal microscopy image that I took at my previous job. All Wrapped Up, 2017 Just like a wire, neurons use electrical signals to convey information. And similarly to wires, neurons require outer insulation for efficient communication. This insulation is provided... Continue Reading →
