Artist Statement:

Plants are breathtaking organisms that share not only their stunning beauty with us but also their nutrients to feed a growing world population. New cells, tissues and organs are emerging every day in surprising patterns, shapes, and colors.

For this painting, I drew my inspiration from the research of the developmental biologist Paula McSteen and her lab in the Bond LSC. Her lab studies the genetics of corn plants, or maize, including how a certain plant growth hormone affects the growth of the ear, or the corn cob, to increase crop yield.

I explored acrylic pouring techniques to let go of the constraints of scientific methodology and create free-flowing cellular structures, inspired by maize fields decorated with diverse corn cobs and their kernels. Each cob of corn generates its own colorful and cellular configuration that flows from one kernel into another – all based on the amazing developmental and cellular patterns created by nature.