“Reflections Of The Field” – Sarah Ikerd, Studio Shangri-La Multimedia
Abstract: This paper explores the transition from localized Quantum Electrodynamic (QED) propulsion to macroscopic interstellar coordinate re-assignment, or teleportation, to specific locations in the universe. The system introduces Nautilus, a precursor spiral qubit node, or satellite, designed for resonant target acquisition. The hypothetical case study here is a mission to the TRAPPIST-1 system to investigate the habitability of TRAPPIST-1e. Using the organized protein lattice of a conduit human pilot in symbiosis with the Starfish’s toroidal manifold, teleportation is achieved through topological identity matching that occurs from resonant phase locking, rather than spatial translation. This paper defines the bio-energetic requirements for the spectral bridge between origin and destination, and provides a mathematical framework for noise-assisted quantum tunneling across 40 light years [or more] in 2.4 seconds.”
Eye Of Infinity – day viewEye Of Infinity – night view
A sculptural upcycled piece of drumheads and LEDs inspired by optics and lenses / evolution of vision and awareness, the wave connection of music, and larger symbolism of the infinity symbol, plus the eye / iris, apertures perceiving reality in different ways. Also the quotation: “Say that I was a drum major for peace. I was a drum major for righteousness.” ~ MLK
Regarding materials, this a fun piece of happenstance and serendipity. In the city, people leave out all kinds of items and a neighbor was getting rid of these minimally used drumheads. I was instantly inspired by the potential for their next life as a sculptural wall hanging. I rearranged them a few times, and then as they sat in the background during optics studies, they organically took shape until they matched a conceptual and physical vision of lenses, points of view and possibility, with the focal point of an iris in the middle, the larger infinity shape, and the yin yang black & white balance. There was a different configuration that I liked along the way, but I knew immediately that this final one was by far the most impactful. Even better, it allowed for me to hide some LEDs behind the center white bass drumhead that come alive at night, as points of light or rays in the central eye.
Drumheads are often, as these are, made of Mylar and Kevlar. Other materials includes adhesive and acrylic paint. The whole approach is a clean minimalism. I didn’t see the need for any further adornment once the shape aligned with the concept. The powerful presence of the shapes, symbolism and contrast is multidisciplinary – it’s at home with Music, Science/Optics, Spirituality, Philosophy, and Contemporary / Modern Art.
“Eye Of Infinity” is available direct here on the site – email: Sarah.ikerd@studio-shangri-la.com – and also through Saatchi Art.
This episode explores the relationship of technology and art with human evolution and awareness, to include both finite and infinite systems to navigate life, and continue to grow.
Interested in being a guest, or have a recommendation? E-mail: Sarah.ikerd@studio-shangri-la.com.
In temperate climates, the birds are a’flutter singing their elaborate songs. This new addition to the catalog, “Proud Mockingbird” is one such singer, puffed up towards the sun. The piece is a composite of course, to juxtapose nature and technology, or different kinds of intelligence. Of course, humans are part of nature and the ongoing biomimicry is highlighted here. What’s also highlighted is the adaptation and ingenuity of birds. After all, they can fly, and with built in GPS at that. This is a conceptual, mythological portrayal of the subject, with the merging of a tree branch with power lines, and overlapping geometry that creates a pyramid, and the turning page at the corner. The proud mockingbird alights on either, as power lines become obsolete.
Let’s see some more bird portraits because they’re delightful:
Sanderling
Great Heron
Wild Turkey
Ka by Sarah Ikerd, Studio Shangri-La
I think it’s important to remember that evolution is ongoing, and affects all beings. These adorable portraits are a fun reminder of animal intelligence, different from ours, that has been evolving for far longer – that’s why they’re so in tune with Planet Earth.
The above sampling of bird portraits feature the Sanderling, Great Egret, Wild Turkey and Red Tailed Hawk. There are certainly more!
The Sanderling is a fast-running/skittering international bird, common to shores across the globe. Although small, they can feed themselves a mere 12 hours after being born and have been known to migrate up to 10,000 miles.
The genus of elegant Great Egret has been around for 7 million years. In light of this, it should hardly be surprising that I saw one wait for a crosswalk signal to cross the street in Florida. The egret in the portrait above was talking a walk on Virginia Key, and probably foraging, near a surf shop.
Wild Turkey is a suitably bold graphic portrait for this bird, strutting around in the urban environment, which is a reminder that the land is theirs too. The city becomes their urban wild. Despite a not exactly aerodynamic profile, an amazing fact about wild turkeys is that they can fly up to speeds of 55 miles per hour.
Like “Proud Mockingbird,” the Red Tailed hawk in “Ka” inhabits a composite or collaged scene. In this case, I combined the portrait of my neighbor “Fluffles” with a beautiful sky photo, and a compelling natural object I photographed years ago – a burned piece of wood that looks like a Triskelion. There’s a lot of symbolism here. “Ka” is the ancient Egyptian word or concept of soul or life force.
These portraits and more are available direct here through the site’s Art Shop, and also on Saatchi Art and TurningArt. If don’t you see a size or format on the current menu that you want, reach out by e-mail: Sarah.ikerd@studio-shangri-la.com.
Today is Sunday and a “Good Day” to share “Sol Brilliance,” plus “God Rays” and “FAITH.” These pieces of uplifting ideals were of course influenced by our amazing and powerful Sun, recognizing -amazingly- that there are many others in the cosmos. It’s also influenced by my belief in divine benevolence, the wisdom of God guiding our sometimes wacky ‘free will.” The larger picture in my view is one of evolutionary emergence of cosmic consciousness or intelligence, and part of intelligence is having joy and humor.
“Sol Brilliance,” the first in the slide deck, is made to have an art deco style to it, with the impression of glinting rays and the colors clarifying the feeling of warmth. It’s a stacked composite photograph. The original photographs were taken of a subject for the silhouette of its textures and shapes: A steaming pot of spaghetti! So this is original photography plus graphic art, edited in an unexpected way.
Next is another piece basically made in the kitchen, with actual mustard seeds. The title “FAITH” is of course a well known reference to the quotation of Jesus, something like: “For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.” While the original photograph was physically assembled, serendipitously in a mortar & pestle, the resultant artwork was much edited, again to convey a sense of warmth and encouragement, of the spiritual / cosmic / material love and connection that is faith.
“Good Day” is a more humorous composite or layered piece with photographs from different situations, places urban and natural, and points in time, in order to take a timeless vibe check. Speed? How fast or slow isn’t the issue in this surreal scene; it’s the quality, of having a good day, and recognizing the power of shifting our perspectives in that direction, one that is easier to wield sometimes more than others.
And the ethereal shine of “God Rays” is another piece of comfort and encouragement with the floating message: “You are never alone. God is always with you.” That and with trillions of microorganisms, and God knows how many particles of this fabric we call life.
These are available in the Art Shop in multiple formats, including framed canvas prints such as 48×48″ and 36×60″ for example. Larger sizes can be custom ordered. They’re also available up to medium/large via partners Saatchi Art, and with TurningArt, which is for business / commercial use clients specifically. There are more levels of customization when you order or commission direct, especially when it comes to special and large formats. Please contact: Sarah.ikerd@studio-shangri-la.com for more info.
Product listings: 48×48″ Framed Canvas Prints / 36×60″ Framed Canvas Prints
This March pop / graphic art of the month is clearly a play on editing words. The layered combination of photos also includes ink drawing, turning ‘Fragile’ into AGILE. That’s certainly a statement for life: Life is agile. Otherwise, none of this would be here! “Agile” is available direct here through the shop, as well as on TurningArt and Saatchi Art.
Continuing on a philosophical note, the podcast is back with a continuation of the previous episode’s theme of shifting the paradigm of health for the better. *These are my opinions of course.
Next, here’s a very exciting return to Mixcloud for GIGABEAT. It’s a been a while but the enthusiastic fandom and production of electronic, timeless ‘future music’ is still going strong. The new episode features beautiful melodic, progressive trance.
Enjoy! More media to come. Stay tuned.
Interested in being a guest on the podcast or mix show? Contact: Sarah.ikerd@studio-shangri-la.com
Started in 2024, the Signal & Noise began as a tribute to the important of both coherence and decoherence as a means of organization and reorganization. In that way, it’s definitely quantum inspired. The series also reframes entropy as a form of mobility and yet another type of patterning. Next, the pieces with text introduce the overlap of languages and interpretations of media signals.
The new pieces so far in 2026 – “Deep Dive,” “Free Play” and “Degrees of Freedom” – continue on the navigating the Information Age theme with more pop art and even gaming flair, with a touch of humor amidst the bright colors and contemporary contemplation. The glitching textured artifacts, like paintings, meld into meditative abstract colors up close, especially for large format versions.
From the Piece Descriptions:
This piece and a few others like it, explore the importance of both signal and noise within an overarching order, that applies to sound and light waves. The actual photos here were taken of computer and television, digital screen, glitches, and then reassembled...
…to make sense of the patterns of mixed signals, and overlap of human and technology in a sea of waves...
…The dance of signal and noise continues with mixed messages of language and text, photos of glitch patched together for provocative contemplation of communcation and patterns in the natural / unnatural world…
With these new Signal & Noise statement pieces, I’m introducing a new type of listing in the Art Shop, which is 2 panel large format metal prints. Using multiple panels is a great way to scale for epic spaces, especially with metal.
Here’s the product link:
Please contact Sarah.ikerd@studio-shangri-la.com for details and customizations for your projects.
Shangri-La Green Alien Monster Natural Grape Gumballs
Damask Rose Magic Soap Blooms
Vegan Marshmallow Animals
Vegan Marshmallow Angels
Stone Ground Herbs Variety
Loose Leaf ClariTeas
Shangri-La Green Superfood Pecan Pie Butter
Bilberry Beet Lip Gloss
Shangri-La Green BioSerum Midnight Mascara
For the growing Shangri-La Green family of products the following values are important: Transparency, Quality, Sustainability & Artistry.
While these are small batch products made in the studio, and not a factory, all ingredients are completely and accurately labeled. I research the most nourishing and effective recipes. It’s important to me for these products to be both delicious, or luxurious, and healthful. Definitely boutique and artisanal, they are handmade in a clean modern kitchen with quartz countertops. Instead of being factory processed, and potentially exposure to toxic chemicals, the standardized shapes for some of the products are achieved through molds. Some of the mixing is done is a basalt volcanic stone, which is mineral rich, and the tools are bamboo and metal. The use of plastic is absolutely minimized.
One benefit of small batch is that there are no unnecessary additives (no incentives) and the preservatives are built in, such as honey or star anise. After all, they are designed to be enjoyed and made to order; not to make an excess and have them sit around and spoil. I’m not sure who could hang on to the Super Food Pecan Pie Butter for long anyway, for example!
Sourcing is also important and how sustainable that cultivation is. In other words, these products are designed and crafted mindfully. The optimizations are a work in progress too, and continue as a wonderful opportunity for creativity. For skin care and cosmetics, shea butter for example comes from a tree nut and is far more sustainable than using petroleum based products. You won’t find the latter included here. There are many examples of refining production methods, even at this scale. Another example is home grown herbs, or mini regenerative agriculture. The plants continue growing and as they drop leaves, fruit etc, naturally, those are gathered.
Packaging is another important detail and happy efforts are made to use recycled and recyclable materials, some that you can reuse, and also biodegradable packaging such as cellulose and even biodegradable packing tape! It’s important to me that Shangri-La Green stays consistent with my values of respecting the environment inasmuch as possible, continuing to learn to optimize, and provide a unique, special experience.
To learn more about the individual products and place an order, visit the Shangri-La Green Store page. For questions and custom orders, please contact: Sarah.ikerd@studio-shangri-la.com.
In the spirit of Miami Winter Music Conference and Miami Music Week, as well as the ubiquitous and hilariously relatable Jon Hamm + Kato video / meme, this escapist dance pop track has some uplifting lyrics and harmonies for the dance floor as well as headphone or home listening. It’s the third song from the upcoming album and a dedication to the Magic City. This new music Friday, the digital release is out on all major platforms, including Beatport and Spotify. The vibe is progressive dance, with a touch of electro / retro 80’s, and that means of course lots of synth, from air effects to layered leads.
Shangri-La Green Alien Monster Natural Grape Gumballs
ALIEN MONSTER 👾
Alien Monster is an majorly upgraded chew made from 100% natural biodegradable tree chicle and real fruit super-concentrates. No synthetic dyes, no petroleum, just a massive juicy hit of Grape and Black Currant. Eat the Monster ~ Care for your environment, and your health!
Ingredients: 100% Grape & Black Currant Juice Concentrate, Elderberry Extract, Trehalose, Manilkara Chicle, Citric Acid| **packaged in biodegradable cellophane
The only thing ‘scary’ about most gum is the plastic. This new food product from Shangri-La Green is an update of the classic gumball. A candy that appears at US retailers, the ingredients have unfortunately included unhealthy additives such as artificial flavors and colors, preservative BHT and even plastic.
Inspired by the popular emoji, this purple monster is also a huge “green” upgrade. Cities spend millions of dollars every year scraping synthetic gum off the streets. With the 100% biodegradable base, this is a non-littering gum – If an Alien Monster gumball ends up on a sidewalk, the organic matter will eventually become brittle and flake off, rather than becoming a permanent stain that requires a pressure washer to remove.
The Shangri-La Green version of the gumball, Alien Monster, has been reformatted and elevated – the ingredients are much healthier overall, and even tastier.
Shangri-La Green “Alien Monster” Grape Gumballs x25
Shangri-La Green “Alien Monster” Grape Gumballs x50
For wholesale pricing, contact: Sarah.ikerd@studio-shangri-la.com
The most recent additions to the catalog on a theme of Chinese Lunar New Year, the “Year Of The Fire Horse.” There are a lot of symbolic associations here, such as strength, boldness, freedom and passion.
“Eternal Flame” is actually from 2025, yet fits this theme well, with its expression of the timeless life force. Across the Earth, there are eternal flames – they keep burning indefinitely with plentiful gas. The symbol and concept of the eternal flame extends to the cosmic energy scale too.
The composition of the shot is an interesting one. It’s not a flame or candle; it’s the result of photographing sunlight, colored glass and water. In this way, it could be considered Op or optical Art.
“Fire Horse” is bright pop art piece very directly on theme with the zeal and renewal of a new year or cycle of cycles, and galloping off towards the horizon. With a different mood, “Year Of The Horse” is more warm and contemplative with a scene of healing crystals.
The crystals of focus are aragonite and smoky quartz, both grounding and cleansing, with Smoky Quartz, or Silicon Dioxide – SiO2, getting its own feature. To me the Smoky Quartz goes perfectly with the Fire Horse theme, with quartz in general being a very advanced mineral, used for technology as well as therapy and beautification.
On a side note, and an important one, the horse pieces are also about animal rights and sentience. Free the horse!
Although many different formats are available, here is a sample listing of one that would suit “Fire Horse,” a 48×48″ framed canvas print:
In addition to direct, the catalogs are also available on Saatchi Art and TurningArt. For inquiries, please e-mail: sarah.ikerd@studio-shangri-la.com.
In the spirit of Lunar New Year, these blends of tidal photography, express the patterns of ebb and flow, focusing on sand “rill.” These are ubiquitous dendrite or branch formations, or nature’s fractal art, reproductions of self similarity that occur on different scales, from trees to brains and many more.
The series: Rill I, Rill II: Convergence, Rill III: Connecting, Rill IV: Grand Variation
In composition and editing, these combine nature photography with surrealism, and could be depictions of discovering extraterrestrial shores on exoplanets. Although these photographs were taken on earth (!) the emphasis of natural forces and dynamic patterns, extends to the cosmic. These fractal patterns also extend to technology and computer science. Such studies really give one pause for appreciation of unity and relationship amidst a sea of variation.
In keeping with other Studio science and science fiction related output, perhaps one day a photo shoot will take place on the moon(s), Trappist-1E or Proxima b. For now, the beauty of Earth is extensive; it’s a gem.
Today’s new music Friday release is the next track from the upcoming 2026 Artemis Amenti album, and is a cross between alternative pop and trip hop. And it’s about the cosmic casino of life. There’s a lot to keep ‘betting on’ and exploring, including oneself. Life differentiated for a reason, to have the individual as well as the collective experience, always connected to God. It’s also about the feeling of winning, and in addition to popular ideas, defining for oneself what that means.
Among other winning actions, in my book, is publishing scores starting this year for musical releases.
In a 12 oz glass jar, this delicious Pecan Pie Butter tastes like the dessert, and is made with love in a volcanic rock / basalt molcajete mortar and pestle which adds extra beneficial mineral content. The star of the superfood ingredients is the Star Anise, although all of the them are nutrient dense. Star Anise is known for containing powerful medicinal compounds, including Shikimic Acid and Quercetin, as well as adding a delightfully complex flavor and functioning as a natural preservative. Molasses is also a beneficial sweetener, rich in iron, magnesium and calcium for example.
This wholesome condiment is designed to be irresistible and satiating – you probably won’t eat the whole jar in a sitting or two, because of the nutrient density! It is quite filling with minerals, healthy fat and flavor.
This is a great example of not necessarily needing a factory to produce a quality product, and in a short amount of time! And ‘byproducts’ such as the Star Anise husk, can go towards creating something else.
“The Nautilus” by Sarah Ikerd, Studio Shangri-La fine art & conceptual photography
This month’s selection is about love of nature, including space or the cosmos. “The Nautilus” is a portrait of a favorite shell taken a few years ago, more recently layered with a starry sky to optimistically convey humanity’s expansion beyond earth, in a way that’s respectful of all life.
Stylistically, I suppose you could say this is classic black & white with a touch of fantasy and surrealism with the layering. It also expresses the combination of spirituality and science; of exploration with stewardship.
To me it is powerfully gentle and idealistic, with a broad timeless appeal. And that’s why it is the February Art of the Month selection. <3
To order this in different mediums, please consult the Art Shop page or reach out by e-mail: Sarah.ikerd@studio-shangri-la.com. I’m happy to collaborate with you on your project.
Here is a sales listing for a sample medium, which is 48×24″ in Glass:
“The Nautilus” is also available on Saatchi Art and TurningArt in various framed and unframed print media. Please note: If you need large format, you will probably need to order direct. If you need a high res file or video animation, that is also direct.
Via my profile page on TurningArt, here is a random art sampling of the day from the catalog:
10 ml. Comes in metal/glass/bamboo eco friendly containers.
BioSerum Midnight Mascara is a high-performance growth bio-hack for adorning and nourishing your lashes. This 100% natural formula replaces synthetic chemicals with a potent lash-Growth Complex of silica-rich Horsetail, stimulating Ginseng, and rare Prickly Pear Seed Oil — a survival botanical rich with Vitamin E.
Suspended in a nourishing base of Castor, Camellia, and Argan oils, the Ultra-Fine Coconut Charcoal delivers a smooth obsidian-black finish. This is mascara evolved: An intensive treatment that strengthens and stimulates with every application.
Buy:
Ingredient
The Bio-Hacker’s “Why”
Ultra-Fine Coconut Charcoal
High-surface-area carbon that provides obsidian depth without synthetic dyes or heavy metals.
Biomimetic Plant-Keratin
A precise amino acid match to human hair that repairs micro-fractures in the lash shaft for instant thickening.
Prickly Pear Seed Oil
The Survival Botanical. Delivers a massive dose of Vitamin E and Betalains to protect and stimulate the follicle.
Horsetail & Ginseng
The Structural Duo. Bio-available silica for tensile strength and herbal stimulants for active growth phases.
Castor & Camellia Oil
The Gloss. Ricinoleic acid for root health paired with liquid silk for a weightless, high-shine finish.
Argan Oil & Shea Butter
The Conditioning Shield. Deeply hydrates the lashes to prevent breakage.
Candelilla Wax
The Flexible Seal. A plant-based film-former that holds the curl and prevents smudging while staying breathable.
The next installment of the Electric Echoes score is Movement 2, The Aria. As is much of this ‘cosmic tech opera,’ some of the instruments are acoustic and the others are synths, in addition to the vocal parts of course. This is a highly adaptable piece for different ensembles. The specific qualities, especially sonority, of the synth parts can be taken into account when substituting instruments. FX it up.
The companion album recordingwas published first in 2024, as it was somewhat improvised. This can make scoring more difficult later – I wouldn’t necessarily recommend that method – but the spontaneity yielded beautiful melodies. I’ve gotten much better at scoring by ear because of all the practice, and that becoming more normalized for my process.
In early 2025, the 6 movement piece released as an album was recognized with an ASCAP Concert Writer’s Award.
It’s a great pleasure to share the score because that was the original intent, to enhance and communicate the repertoire. Electric Echoes could be considered modern classical, electroacoustic or new age. There are a bunch of descriptors. The composition combines tonal and atonal into harmony, using traditional as well as some pleasing noise and dissonance, inspired by electronic music or techno. It’s always fun working with synths!
“Blending cosmic themes with mythology and technology, “Electric Echoes: A Cosmic Tech Opera” opera aims to revive and expand the genre for a new generation with a blend of modern electronic with traditional, on into the future.”
For performance inquiries, please e-mail: sarah.ikerd@studio-shangri-la.com
Pearl Snowdrifts II, Sarah Ikerd, Studio Shangri-La
Pearl Snowdrifts II
Superconducting
Superconducting II
This month’s conceptual photography threads in a familiar geometric theme, with the winter landscape of a fresh heavy snow, with sun, shadows and icicles.
The abstractions are made of realistic original photography, hence the title Abstract Realism. All of the pieces are a layering of views to create the effect of an abstract painting.
“Root & Crown” is the most vibrant and warm of the bunch, a layering of water and ice are layered to create the impression of the root and crown chakras, a vision of sunlight, during meditation with eyes closed.
“Superconducting” is a wintry tribute to tech, with one piece warmer than the other as a nod to possible ambient temperature superconductors; the other is more like the ultra cold superconductor. These are often layered materials, and in other artwork there are different levels of interaction, with the magnification lens.
There is certainly a lot of crossover with art and the behavior and synergies of materials. Overall, I’m enjoying stepping into another sculptural dimension of layered photography.
These are available through the catalogs on TurningArt and Saatchi Art, as well as right here on the site, and on the Shop page:
“Abstract: Following the structural design of the Starfish Bioship established in Part I, this paper elucidates the Quantum Electrodynamic (QED) mechanisms required for macroscopic displacement. By modulating the local vacuum stress-energy tensor through an anisotropic metamaterial hull, the Starfish interacts directly with vacuum fluctuations to generate an asymmetric pressure gradient. This paper demonstrates that the synchronization of six photonic arms creates a harmonic resonance a “tuning fork” for zero-point energy-facilitating a macroscopic tunneling event. This provides the mathematical framework for the transition from classical propulsion to QED-driven “quantum jumping” within toroidal manifolds.”
All of these high potency ingredients – especially the Creosote, of which there is only one seed included – are used sparingly. Once the cold infusion has been sitting for about 24 hours in the refrigerator, it gets finely strained into a brown glass dropper bottle.
Cold infusion is simply allowing the mixture to disperse and dissolve into the water, gathering beneficial and medicinal compounds. The history and practice of extracts and infusions spans tens of thousands of years!
It’s important to mention that the regenerative qualities of the infusion are matched by attention to the full regenerative cycle. Afterwards, planting those seeds from the mixture is the extension of this philosophy, caching these medicinal precursors in the earth for the future.
Pomegranates are remarkably resilient once established, and Sequoias play the “long game” better than almost any organism on Earth. Planting a Sequoia is a 2,000-year commitment to the planet’s healthy systems.
Next, here is the breakdown of the primary beneficial water-soluble compounds for per each of the ingredients:
Strong antioxidants that support vascular health and cellular protection.
Quaking Aspen Seed
Salicin
A precursor to salicylic acid (aspirin-like) that aids in managing minor inflammation.
Creosote Seed
NDGA (Nordihydroguaiaretic acid)
A potent antioxidant, though more concentrated in leaves, seeds contain trace amounts.
Pomegranate Seed
Punicalagins
Massive polyphenols that are highly water-soluble and support heart health.
Sequoia Needle
Vitamin C & Terpenes
High ascorbic acid content; offers immune support and a “bright” flavor profile.
Dried Basil
Rosmarinic Acid
A polyphenol with significant antioxidant and neuroprotective potential.
Dried Mint
Menthol (Traces) & Flavonoids
While menthol is oil-based, cold water extracts enough to aid digestion and focus.
Horsetail
Orthosilicic Acid (Silica)
The bioavailable form of silica, essential for collagen synthesis and bone health.
Stonebreaker
Phyllanthin
Known for supporting kidney and gallbladder health by inhibiting crystal formation.
Heal All
Prunella Polysaccharides
Complex sugars that modulate the immune system and provide antiviral support.
Cat’s Claw
Oxindole Alkaloids
Potent immune-modulating compounds that help the body manage stress.
Huamanpinta
Quercetin Glycosides
Flavonoids that act as natural diuretics and support urinary tract health.
Tomatillo Husk
Physalins
Unique steroidal constituents (withanolides) known for anti-inflammatory properties.
Seqouia needle, Pomegranate seeds
As the human testing continues, the hope is that this proves an effective longevity and overall preventative tonic. The properties of these ingredients suggest strong effectiveness for a range of conditions. I’m counting on what is known of their potency!
The most significant benefits are estimated to be neuro-protection, tissue repair, and broad spectrum immune protection. As the process develops, I modify ingredients, such as adding vegetable glycerin, and making different variants.
One operating principle here in assuming extra effectiveness, is the biological process of Horizontal Gene Transfer.
We now know that Horizontal Gene Transfer (HGT) — the movement of genetic material between different species — can occur via the food we eat. When you drink your BioSip, you aren’t just consuming “chemicals;” you are consuming information.
Here is how this specific mixture could potentially facilitate or constructively influence HGT-like processes:
Plants contain small RNA molecules called microRNAs. Evolving research suggests that some of these survive digestion, enter our bloodstream, and cross-talk with our genes. Essentially, a functional form of HGT where plant software updates biological hardware.
Sequoia and Pomegranate, for example, are ancient lineages. Their microRNAs are highly evolved for longevity and stress resistance. Cold-infusing them keeps the delicate RNA strands intact.
The BioSip Tea – chilling in the fridge
These plant signals can potentially silence inflammatory genes or activate protective ones in your liver or gut, effectively borrowing the plant’s survival knowledge like reading a new book.
What’s known is that HGT happens most frequently between the bacteria in your gut, the microbiome hub. The BioSip would act as a modulator for this exchange.
While not HGT in the sense of a new DNA strand plugging in,” your BioSip provides the methyl donors and acetyl groups needed for epigenetic regulation, such as complex terpenes and phenols that can act as “keys” that unlock or lock specific parts of DNA for optimization.
One of the most important acetyl donors in the body is Acetyl-CoA. Interestingly, the brain uses this to produce Acetylcholine — the “focus” neurotransmitter. By drinking a tonic that stabilizes metabolic pathways, we are ensuring that your brain doesn’t have to “choose” between using acetyl groups for DNA repair or other activities; we’re providing enough for both.
Process
Group
Action
BioSip Source
Cognitive Goal
Methylation
CH3
Turns “OFF”
Basil, Heal All, Folates
Quiet the “noise” (inflammation).
Acetylation
COCH3
Turns “ON”
Pomegranate, Fir – added this later after starting this article (HDAC inhibitors)
Activate the “signal” (focus/repair).
What’s especially amazing: The operating principle is essentially using the BioSip to “de-frag” the biological hard drive, in a way introducing code that helps create programming.
A Note on the Honey: I used Raw Honeycomb, which also introduced Bee DNA and Pollen RNA into the mix. This adds an another different kingdom of information into the plant-heavy “genetic data stream.”
The specimens series details the briliance of nature’s engineering, from the homespun – or chewed – layers of paper husk in a hornet’s nest, to the resilient storage architecture of a Sycamore of Sweetgum tree’s seed pod.
The styles include a modern, colorful pop and op art approaches to the subjects with the realistic plus a touch of the surreal. One featured method here with “Specimen B: Sycamore” is using strong color contrast between light wavelengths on the spectrum to create a dimensional stereoptic effect, such that the subject seems to float, and also layering to create a depth ‘stereopticon‘ of combined images.
The subjects are Sycamore, Sweetgum, Honey Locust, Hornet’s nest, Tomatillo husk, Milkweed fluff, and dried Hydrangea. These were all collected naturally as ‘found objects,’ with the exception of the Tomatillo husk, which is a very resilient, protective biomaterial!
Up close one can appreciate their detailed structures, and be inspired to apply biomimicry for a myriad of everyday solutions. That little Sweetgum fruit or seed pod is designed to hold 40-60 chambers for example, and is loaded with seeds. Their forms are so curious, that humans pick them up and spread them around even further. We are a part of nature, of course.
In “Solar Flares” and “Plasma” the Sycamore’s seed pod takes a post-impressionist trip into space and becomes the Sun and its “plasmoid” emission. What’s especially interesting is that the surface texture of the seed pod also resembles the granular surface of the sun. In a way, the sun is shedding energetic seeds of light that propagate life.
“From a small seed a mighty trunk may grow.” ~ Aeschylus
Portuguese Man ‘O War, FL — Studio Shangri-La
On to an especially reality-is-stranger-than-fiction example for biomimicry: The Portuguese Man ‘O War.
Recently I learned that it is not a jellyfish! This brightly colored pink, blue and purple UFO, or unidentified floating object, The Portuguese man o’ war (Physalia physalis), belonging to the class Hydrozoa, is actually a siphonophore composed of specialized, interdependent animals called zooids.
The zooids work together to function as a single unit like a bioship! The ship includes a translucent gas-filled float and long, up to 30 m / 100 ft venomous tentacles. The four distinct types of polyps/zooids are responsible for floating, hunting, eating, and reproduction. I wonder what that first conversation was like: “”Hey, let’s get together and build a deadly seafaring warship!”
I wouldn’t recommend tangling with one of these dangerous sailing bioships; however, like all of nature’s creations, including ourselves, they are loaded with purpose. Even the physaliatoxin it carries in isolation could potentially be effective as a muscle relaxant or even a cancer treatment. That’s not an invitation to go bother them or even breed them – plenty of them wash up on shore – and we now have protein synthesis available to us, which can be based on a very small sample.
Overall, the adorable specimens seen here are also all very resilient in their genius design engineering and adaptations.
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