While tactile models have been used to describe molecular structures for over a century, the sculpting of structural models is a recent phenomenon. Following X-ray coordinate selection, the author uses modeling software and a computer numerically controlled (CNC) milling machine to create precisely scaled, tactile molecular sculptures. The challenge is to inspire the general public to appreciate the aesthetic aspects of molecular architecture and to reveal the magnificence of nature on the molecular scale.

Issue Section:
Artists' Articles
This content is only available as a PDF.
©2011 ISAST
2011

Supplementary data

Supplications

The carving of a 4” thick slab of Swiss maple, almost like alabaster, was preceded by a number of experiments employing the m and mm symmetry operations of the cnc milling machine and/or front:back penetration . This 27x37x9cm3 sculpture (http://molecular-sculpture.com/Campus-sculptures/Imagine.html) was inspired by Albrecht Dürer’s 1508 etching, “Betende Hände.” (© Edgar Meyer)

- jpeg file
Reflections

Biomolecules = marvelous examples of life on the molecular scale = part of each of us! What do they look like? In public spaces? Something I can touch? (http://molecular-sculpture.com/Campus-sculptures/Imagine.html) The harmony of nature, cycles of ebb and flow, death and regeneration, here captured as a virtual image reflecting modern art: 2F1S.pdb. (© Edgar Meyer)

- jpeg file
Cleome+

Floral sculptures? Why not? Merging macro and nano: http://molecular-sculpture.com/Campus-sculptures/Imagine.html Visually stretching the imagination, meditating on the nano-machinery of life: 1G31.pdb epitomizes the way cells make order out of chaos, gracefully. So, with flowers as the stage, here are some actors in the drama of life. (© Edgar Meyer)

- jpeg file
You do not currently have access to this content.