"Pathways of Science" - Scan Data

sketchfab

3-foot tall, glazed clay mushroom sculpture created by artists Katy Börner and Carrie Longley comes alive as a representation of the history of science. The collaborative effort aimed to make this complex subject more tangible and accessible to everyone. Science can grow in many directions just like mushroom bodies, and this idea is perfectly embodied in the sculpture. A network of tunnels runs throughout the artwork, showcasing the evolution of scientific ideas back to their origins. To achieve this effect, marbles are placed at the top level, tracing the path as they work their way through the sculpture to the bottom. This interactive element allows viewers to visualize the connections between various scientific concepts. The 3-foot tall clay mushroom sculpture was showcased as part of [RE]imagining Science, an exhibit at the Grunwald Gallery of Art at Indiana University that featured numerous artist collaborations. The exhibit provided a unique platform for artists to explore the intersection of art and science. To capture the intricate details of this complex sculpture, Creaform's GoScan!50 was used in conjunction with VXScan software, employing 75% decimation to create an accurate digital model. This scanning process proved to be a significant challenge due to the presence of occluded surfaces, deep crevices, and inaccessible tubes, making it a true test of scanning technology.