Jessica Kay Bodner & Jennifer Lyn Thackray MAPPING BRAINS
Statement The many pathways of the brain which fire together through fibers of electricity, send signals to our body controlling our movement, speech, and all functions of our everyday life. When blocked or damaged these pathways have a certain instinctual properties giving a placidity that re-route these signals in sometimes unusual ways.
The brain of an adult human weighs about three pounds and contains billions of cells, The two distinct classes of cells in the nervous system are neurons (nerve cells) and glia (glial cells).The basic signaling unit of the nervous system is the neuron. The brain contains billions of neurons; the best estimates are that the adult human brain contains 1011 neurons. The interactions between neurons enable people to think, move, maintain homeostasis, and feel emotions.
Communication between neurons is the foundation for brain function. Understanding how neurotransmission occurs is crucial to understanding how the brain processes and integrates information. Interruption of neural communication causes changes in cognitive processes and behavior. A neuron usually has multiple processes, or fibers, called dendrites that extend from the cell body. These processes usually branch out somewhat like tree branches and serve as the main apparatus for receiving input into the neuron from other nerve cells.
An average neuron forms approximately 1,000 synapses with other neurons. It has been estimated that there are more synapses in the human brain than there are stars in our galaxy. Furthermore, synaptic connections are not static. Neurons form new synapses or strengthen synaptic connections in response to life experiences and trauma. Both artists have experienced brain trauma in their lifetime and are intimately fascinated with the science of neurology. Through creative processes they are exploring the possibilities of understanding how to heal themselves. This installation combines a sculptural fiber-optics light piece and drawings based on microscopic neurons and pathways of the brain depicting the universe inside your head. Bio(s) for the artist statement. Condensed and appropriate to the audience with consideration to this work in particular.
Bios Jessica Kay Bodner’s sculpted suspended pieces, wrought of spiraling steel, casts stellar light projecting shadows that spin abstract lines onto the surrounding surfaces, creating a double dimension of drawing. She is also known for her series of suspended galaxy forms. Orbs of light appear like stars or distant planets that float on spiraling tube steel, stellar light that has no beginning and no end emanates from these celestial forms. Other commissioned works include large woven metal sculptures, wrought iron forms reminiscent of archeological subjects, illuminated flora and fauna sculptures forged in steel and large scale paintings and installations. Her inspirations stem from natural and scientific influences. Her work has been commissioned for numerous public and private projects nationally and internationally.
Jennifer Lyn Thackray's work explores the parallels of drawing collages and layering them with written metaphors. Visual ideas lead your minds eyes into the depths of the landscape of layered materials of pencil on paper and fabric with woven topographic resemblances. The content juxtapositions recent life experiences that have brought her closer to the mirrored images in the mind and hearts reflective instinctual desire to build them inside out. Through traveling and working in various environments in the world with extraordinary humans that have influenced ideas, visions and concepts, Jennifer has learned to see the world through multifaceted lenses. Past works include documentary and mutli-media projects.
