BioArt: Drawing and Designing with Slime Mold (Online)
Taught by Nikki Romanello
Nikki Romanello was born and raised in Texas. As a kid she spent free time observing and collecting natural artifacts. In high school she was accepted into a four year AP art program. During her first year of college, she worked in a natural science lab where she gained experience with several scientific processes including; lab prep, dissection, and plant cultivation. She received her BFA in Interdisciplinary Sculpture and a Concentration in Photography at Maryland Institute of College of Art in Baltimore. During her last two years of undergrad she devoted herself to metal sculpture. After graduating, she experienced several job opportunities and built a sculpture studio. Her work experience includes the Baltimore Museum of Art, Harris Rubin, New Arts Foundry, and volunteering at the University of Maryland Iron Pour. She graduated with an MFA in Studio Art, majoring in Sculpture from the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York. She worked as a metal department teaching assistant and metal shop technician during her MFA. After graduating she worked for Will Ryman, Robert Lazzarini, and 3rd Ward. She also participated in a one year artist residency at Hot Wood Art Center and had a solo Bio Art show at the University Science Center in Philadelphia. Currently, she is continuing her science research, building a metal shop, and teaching art and bioart classes at Brooklyn Brainery and Genspace.
Learn how to draw with slime mold! In this demo-based BioArt workshop, we will learn how to design the growth and shape of slime mold. We will see how you can create a maze in a Petri dish and watch how the slime mold finds the most efficient path to food.
We will also discuss slime mold biology, biotechnology, and resources for creating your own BioArt in a home enviroment.