Biological Branches

fig 1		fig 2		fig 3		fig 4

In ‘Anatomy Acts’ Christine Borland’s artwork makes reference to the similarities between the human body and other natural forms and celebrates the links between art and science.

In the human body and in nature patterns are replicated on a small and a large scale. A good example to use is trees as the ‘veins’ on leaves echo the shapes of the fully formed tree.

• Choose a photograph of a tree and make a drawing in ink on A2 cartridge paper using a twig. Try to pay particular attention to the ‘branching’ out of lines. Having limited control of the media will encourage a natural line. Allow mistakes to happen and adapt your approach accordingly.
• Choose a number of leaves and make prints using natural colours on a sheet of paper. Use this and work on top with graphite stick to produce a detailed large scale drawing of one of the leaves.
• Use different thicknesses of wire and try to replicate ‘branching’ in three dimensional form. Take photographs of the resulting sculpture and make drawings from different angles.
• Use an anatomy book and exhibits from ‘Anatomy Acts’ to draw comparisons between images. Consider overlapping, photocopying, tracing etc.

fig 1. Anatomy Acts Object Guide No.143
Geburtshilflicher Röntgen Atlas, Tab. 10, pl. 9, Dresden, 1908
G. Leopold and T. Leisewitz Leopold
Courtesy of The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, RR Q7

fig 2. Anatomy Acts Object Guide No.8
Tabulae anatomicae sex, six plates, 1538
Andreas Vesalius (1514-1564)
Glasgow University Library, Special Collections, Az.1.10

fig 3. Anatomy Acts Object Guide No.16
Skeleton, brain, nerves from John Banister: Anatomical tables. Table 5 & 6, c.1580
Anon.
Glasgow University Library, Special Collections, Ms Hunter 364 (V.1.1)

fig 4. Anatomy Acts Object Guide No.86
Engravings of the Cardiac Nerves, (Tabulae Neurologica), Edinburgh, 1832
Antonio Scarpa (1752-1832)
Special Collections, University of St Andrews, sf QM25.S3E32