Biomimicry: Design Inspired By Nature

Here’s my artwork for the Tempe Center for the Arts Biomimicry Challenge: design inspired by nature. This exhibition runs May 19-July 28 and includes work by artists and scientists involved in the Biomimicry Institute at ASU.

Artist Statement

“One of the most important forces in nature is the way in which space is divided…. A complete science has grown about the study of the methods she uses in the divisions and partitions of space. [Nature’s] methods have far-reaching implications for human technology.”
– Origins of Form, Christopher Williams

I believe this statement applies not only to technology but to my personal approach to art and design. Rather than directly mimicking a biological process or structure, I’m interested in using nature’s iterative process as a conceptual framework for artistic development. My research into the evolutionary development of snake scales and bird feathers inspired the layering and space filling designs in these pieces.

Exhibit Gallery

Individual Works

3D works: Origin/Insertion I, II & III

  • Shown grouped and individually
  • Ceramic, plywood, cotton thread
  • Inspired by the spinal structure of snakes
  • I: 12 x 15 x 18″
  • II: 14 x 14 x 10″
  • III: 25 x 20 x 20″

2D works: Somatogenesis I, II & III

  • Mixed media (bristol, oil-marbled bristol, couched cotton thread, and iron-liquor-dyed muslin
  • Each measures 24 x 30 x 2″, framed

Gallery Details

FREE admission
10 am-6 pm Tuesday – Thursday
10 am-7:30 pm Friday
11 am-6 pm Saturday
*Open extended hours for some special events.
The Gallery at TCA is located within Tempe Center for the Arts
700 W. Rio Salado Parkway | Tempe, AZ  85281 | (480) 350-2867

About This Exhibition

Biomimicry is an exciting field that seeks to emulate nature to create sustainable solutions to human problems. Today, biomimicry is used by professionals such as scientists, engineers, architects, designers and business people to create things like new and/or improved products, manufacturing processes and design standards. Well known examples of biomimicry include Velcro (inspired by plant burr hooks) and solar cells (inspired by photosynthesizing plants).

The Gallery at Tempe Center for the Arts sponsored by Northern Trust is collaborating with the Biomimicry Center and LeRoy Erying Center for Solid State Science/Science is Fun at Arizona State University to coordinate a summer 2017 exhibition that explores biomimicry solutions and nature-inspired contemporary art.

  • Art displays by local artists
  • Hands-on maker center
  • Interactive science displays
  • Live artists working in the Gallery
  • Free art workshops on Saturdays

Three Valley artists (Jose Benavides, Alexandra Bowers and Nissa Kubly) were chosen in a jury selection process to undertake a 10-week biomimicry-themed artist residency. From May 19-July 28, these artists will be mentored by experts from ASU and challenged to create new ideas, artworks and/or concept sketches inside temporary studio spaces at the Biomimicry exhibition at the Gallery at Tempe Center for the Arts. Join us at TCA this summer to watch the process.