Finding Your Self, 2019 Here is the final version of this 5 month (!!!) long project. As a refresher, it is based on a closeup microscopy image of a retina, which is responsible for our sense of vision. The blue branches are blood vessels. The red strands are axons of neurons that transmit the information... Continue Reading →
The Retina – Part II
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 →
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 →
Creating retrospective art stories
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 know and therefore... 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 →
Dyslexia awareness bracelet
Earlier this year, I wrote about getting involved in creating pieces of art to raise awareness of neurological conditions. I have made one for epilepsy and acute central nervous system injury. More recently I was contacted by a former colleague, who asked me to create a jewelry piece to portray dyslexia. Here is a summary... Continue Reading →
Brain-eating amoeba
After hurricane Irma, Florida might have a greater risk of spreading infection. More specifically, brain-eating amoebas are more likely to thrive in the stagnant water. These microbes can enter the body through the nose and reach the brain within a few days. There, they begin their feast, which in most cases is fatal. This work... Continue Reading →
“Tortured”
Here is the second piece I presented at the Women in Bio SciArt event and the story behind it. Tortured (2017) – 12″ x 12″ Traumatic injury to the central nervous system results in an inhibitory environment. This condition presents a serious challenge for neurons that attempt to regenerate. In addition to inhibitory biochemical signals,... Continue Reading →