Studio Shangri-La • Multimedia Production • Music | Art | Science | Design – Page 7 – Music | Art | Science

Art + Science: “Electrocardiogram” & “Infinite Metamorphosis”

“Electrocardiogram” is 4’x3’ painting based on the skull as a symbol of life. The structure of bone is built on a hexagonal crystalline apatite structure. And the hexagonal or carbon ring you can see at the center of “Infinite Metamorphosis.” The hexagon is a fundamental shape of life’s chemistry. The fall leaves are the transition points and of course the swallowtails, metamorphoses.

Comparatively, the painting did not take long, unlike some others I’ve done with a lot more layers – and definitely contrasts with another photorealistic work I have going now called “All Souls.” This one was spontaneous and World Heart Day motivated me to complete it mostly the same day.

The painting celebrates the marvelous technology of the human body, and in particular that the waveform of each person’s heart is unique. And the electrocardiogram or signature ID is one of the latest biometrics, that can even be identified at a distance by “laser vibrometry.”

Other pop elements include Hamlet and the use of numbers and letters. Well, here the alternative to “to be” is “to exist,” expressing fundamental aliveness, evident on closer examination of everyday life and nature.

There was a wonderful art and science “meta” moment during painting: I noticed the fractal ‘tree of life’ pattern branching out in the paint, both in the paint tube and on the back of the heart cutout stamp. I had to photograph that of course, so that turned into the mirrored photo below.

Self Replication / viscous Tree of life pattern

‘Self-similarity’ or ‘self-replication’ can occur in fluid dynamics, varying with pressure, temperature, viscosity, velocity. Another word for this is “morphogenesis” — how physics and chemistry affect the shapes of movement, development or evolution, and propagation or reproduction.

The paint exhibits the emergence of a fractal branching pattern, from pressure and flow against a boundary. And blood through the arteries is another example of [both laminar & turbulent] flow! Thanks, nature, for continuing to reveal the unseen in the seen.

Norman Maclean, A River Runs Through It and Other Stories

https://tpwd.texas.gov/publications/nonpwdpubs/young_naturalist/earth_sciences/lightning/index.phtml#:~:text=As%20the%20negative%20charge%20in,fingers%20of%20the%20lightning%20bolt.

“Clouds are not spheres, mountains are not cones, coastlines are not circles, and bark is not smooth, nor does lightning travel in a straight line.”
― Benoît Mandelbrot, The Fractal Geometry Of Nature, 1982

The undercurrent of these patterns, could be electromagnetic induction lines, whereby “a current can be induced to flow due to a changing magnetic field” or “induction of an electromotive force in a circuit by varying the magnetic flux linked with the circuit.”

“Interfacial instabilities are prevalent in nature and often lead to captivating patterns¹. Snowflakes are familiar examples, which form when the rate of ice formation is limited by heat diffusion^2,3. Similar “dendritic” patterns commonly arise in solidification^4,5,6,7, as well as electrodeposition of metals… there are situations where interfacial instabilities may be beneficial, e.g. in enhancing CO₂ mixing in saline aquifers for carbon sequestration¹⁵, increasing mixing efficiency in microfluidics¹⁶, or patterning soft materials.” — https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-019-11939-7

Soft materials brings to mind the heart, the brain. But then dendritic — also Lightning. Lightning branches towards the ground or from negative to positive nodes – electrons to protons – in order to decrease resistance and maximize flow using possible paths towards the destination.

Electromagnetism is a means of transfer or travel — electromagnetic waves are transverse waves that can pass through matter, carrying energy or information. An electromagnetic wave begins when an electrically charged particle vibrates.

In the case of the paint, the electromotive force is me. And given what is known of electromagnetism, it’s impossible for the human body to *not produce an electromagnetic field of some kind. We do emit light, such as infrared, and “studies have identified infrared as a primitive source of ‘cellular vision’ to guide migration and other behaviors.” I don’t find this surprising because I know the body is intelligent, but it still find this absolutely astounding and amazing.

The heart is an electromagnetic conductor, something that directs. “Pump” seems an inadequate descriptor. So returning to “Electrocardiogram,” the output waveform or diagram, an expression of rhythm and sound, looks like a diagram of electromotive force. In Chinese medicine and Ayurveda, it is said that the heart produces parallel field lines, and this circles back once again to the concept of laminar flow.

“Cells and intracellular elements are capable of vibrating in a dynamic manner with complex harmonics, the frequency of which can now be measured and analyzed in a quantitative manner by Fourier analysis.” — https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4654783/

There’s so much to delve into here, considering the body as an open system, with the art as jumping off point or catalyst. To be continued.

Studio Multimedia Update: Art & Music, Podcast

Celosia Argentea Panel
Argentea Quadrant
New podcast
Succulent Garden Panel, Bright
Succulent Garden Panel, Warm
OCTAVES Music new release
OCTAVES Music new release
OCTAVES Music new release
OCTAVES Music upcoming release / cover

The latest output from the studio includes a few “hi-tech” botanicals that transition into fall with the color scheme. The florals have proven popular and are always fun to make. (Art is watermarked here.)

Unlike a lot of the music cover art lately, I do not use AI for photography, and certainly not for the paintings! Although, I have seen a robot that can paint. I consider AI to be a useful tool, but not one that could replace for me the joy of making and creating. The photos are originals I take and then use “traditional” editing software with different grid layouts.

“Argentea” in Latin means “silvery” referring to the plumage of the flowers. They make for gorgeous subjects of course, even in black and white. These botanicals explore the extradimensional and looking at the everyday in new ways. The photo realism becomes photo surrealism.

Next, here’s a link to the new podcast:

This latest topic concerns evolutionary biology, the intersection of inherited genetics and ideas from one’s lineage and environment, and the alterations and mutations that may occur. Guests are wanted at the all audio format podcast, recorded using Spotify for Podcasters. Topic headers include Arts & Sciences, Technology, Society & Culture, Philosophy, Ideas & Innovation.

Finally, it’s been an active month for the music label OCTAVES as well. I release under a few different artist names to reflect the styles of music. This month’s releases include Odd Circuit, Artemis Amenti and my actual name, Sarah Ikerd. The Odd Circuit electronic / progressive trance release “Qualia” is definitely dance, yet with intricate shifting harmonies and rhythms that reflect shifting perceptions, or layers of perceptions. Qualia is an interesting word to consider!

The Artemis Amenti release “New Life” is more or less a synth wave journey about renewals and new chapters, and figuring out how to evolve. It’s definitely influenced by the likes of Depeche Mode and The Cure. With the same harmonies I also made the soon upcoming cover of Gershwin’s “Summertime,” yet with modernized lyrics. Instead of “and the cotton is high,” I sing “and the hot sun is high.” Also instead of saying the baby’s parents are good looking, I say that the baby is good looking. And the word “rich” is meant to imply a spiritual wealth.

OCTAVES Music is open to collaborations and submissions! Feel free to get in touch via the Contact page.

Project for MIT Solve Climate Adaptation: Rapid Photodegradation Of Plastics In A Portable Device

https://solve.mit.edu/challenges/climate-adaptation-challenge/solutions/77166

A concept worth sharing: Enhancing the process that would occur naturally in a landfill by concentrating different types of UV light in an EM radiation resistant receptacle — or, a next level trash can.

Imagine what that would achieve for waste reduction, with materials like ‘forever’ plastics never even entering the typical waste management system. The larger endgame would be significantly contributing to upgrading waste management by simply eliminating a lot of it. That said, materials composition has to change as well, so as to have a definite breakdown or shelf life.

It can take different kinds of waste years, decades, hundred of years or even supposedly thousands of years to break down under the ‘normal’ circumstance of photodegradation, under the sun, in a landfill.

The proposed device, the trash can of the future now, amplifies that process with UVB and UVC light. And we actually don’t get much of that day to day from the sun. In other words, let’s move that trash to closer orbit.

Of course the material composition of the receptacle is very important to ensure safety and effectiveness, to amplify the lights within it while containing any electromagnetic radiation and even absorbing it. One such included material could perhaps be a graphene coating. (1) This is a single 2D layer of graphite, which was one of the first minerals to form in the universe. So it makes sense that form or ‘allotrope’ of carbon would be equipped to handle solar rays, from an evolutionary standpoint.

Another less exotic but no less amazing option is: ALUMINUM, which the current prototype is making use of. Aluminum foil even shows promise for being an effective reflector AND absorber. (2)

The point here is making the construction easy, so that anyone could make it at home, a process in addition to being a product. For the moment, climate action supersedes traditional economy. And I certainly feel this is a strong enough concept to put to further testing, especially academic and industrial laboratories.

So at home of course it’s important to be careful handling UV Lights, sometimes used for sanitation, yet they are relatively safe — especially compared to X-rays and Gamma rays, which would not do the job anyway because of wavelength. By the way, did you know that lightning produces gamma rays? (3)

Anyway, the UV lights are enclosed within the receptacle. And in order to enhance the speed of degradation or decomposition, the intensity, wavelength and reflectivity of the light(s) are important. There could very well also be other factors of importance such as pulse duration or other catalysts.

I’m still ordering parts for the prototype but so far the component concepts add up. Worst case scenario, I spend a little bit of money and it doesn’t quite work. Best case scenario is that it works great with some tweaking and I continue sharing my findings. Unlike my re-design of the speed rope, I consider this idea to be really important and something the world needs. It probably won’t take that much funding to finish the prototype, but manufacturing it obviously would.

That’s my offering for the 2023 MIT Solve Climate Adaptation Challenge and it’s great to get the idea out there for consideration and possible funding or eventual production, although as you can see in the link, the original description is a different. I was unable to edit my solution after a certain point, closer to the evaluation deadline. The new updated version described here is much safer and more practical, translatable for portable and home use. The words “novel chemistry” can be updated to “novel photochemistry!” I’m certainly thankful for the platform’s inspiration to work on this idea and contribute to the larger scope of bringing important environmental and systemic upgrades closer to materialization.

Space Biology + Cosmogony: Minerals, Microbes & Radiotrophs

https://www.warpnews.org/space/radiotrophic-fungi-could-serve-as-radiation-shield-for-people-on-mars/

Around 3.7 billion years ago, microbes appeared on Earth (1) and they arose from the interaction between minerals and the surrounding environmental turbulence and temperature fluctuations. From this view, elements and minerals can be considered life forms.

“Inorganic” minerals are not generally acknowledged as life forms, however they comprise the technology of human biology. Carl Sagan said “we are made of star stuff,” because the most abundant elements in the human body, such as Carbon and Nitrogen, also compose the early Universe and first minerals like Diamond and Graphite. This far pre-dates the appearance of humans of course, so in a way the elements are close to the root of our ancestral lineage, as Sagan also said “we are their children.”

How something not alive could give rise to something alive doesn’t exactly compute, but regardless of outlook, there is plenty of evidence that minerals and microbes co-evolved, with a large portion of mineral variety due to microbes.

”Historically, scientists ‘have artificially drawn a line between what is geochemistry and what is biochemistry,’ said Nita Sahai, a biomineralization specialist at the University of Akron in Ohio who was not involved in the new research. In reality, the boundary between animal, vegetable and mineral is much more fluid. Human bodies, for example, are around 2% minerals by weight, most of it locked away in the calcium phosphate scaffolding that reinforces our teeth and bones.” (2)

Then, the evolution of microbial metabolism gave rise to Earth’s oxygenated atmosphere as we know and breathe it. And their exposure to cosmic rays or radiation was another important ingredient in the mixture. (3)

Today’s radiation resistant fungi are being tested on the International Space Station and as part of NASA’s Space Biology program. They exhibit a modern manifestation of an ancient evolutionary trait, that developed to help create an atmosphere in which more complex life could survive. (4)

Now today microbes are once again helping humans, to expand into space — and they also, interestingly, benefit symbiotically by propagating themselves in new environments. And so we return to space, in more intelligent forms.

https://astrobiology.com/2022/12/a-self-replicating-radiation-shield-for-human-deep-space-exploration.html

Biology Of Longevity: Surviving The Molt — Lessons From The Lobster

https://www.seacoastonline.com/story/news/2021/08/19/lobster-molt-why-do-crustaceans-shed-their-shells/8175318002/

When a lobster molts, or sheds its shell or exoskeleton, it’s a struggle. Signaled by hormonal change, it literally crawls out of its own skin. Yet, this somewhat dangerous process has to occur in order for it to grow. Some die during the molt or in the immediate aftermath, before their soft bodies harden again. The ones that survive casting off the former shell then hide away during the transformation in which a new larger exoskeleton grows.

A similar process happens to many creatures, not just those with exoskeletons. Molting also happens to birds, and even us. Although not as dramatic as with snakes, we too experience this Exfoliation or shedding of skin or hair, a regenerative process that creates new cells.

So the first lesson from the lobster is that perhaps we could reframe and experience aging differently, the physiological symptoms being a transitional challenge to overcome, that of a molt or metamorphosis, of shedding the outdated to regenerate the new and improved. A lobster can regrow its limbs, and even its eyes!

Although many hormones are involved, one such that is responsible for molting in Crustaceans is ecdysone. (1) It’s a steroid hormone, and steroids are signaling molecules that “play an essential role in a wide range of physiological functions, including growth, development, energy metabolism, homeostasis and reproduction.” (2)

In crustaceans the steroid hormone ecdysone is released by the prothoracic glands, the thorax being the chest cavity in many animals or vertebrates, including humans. Ecdysone is also known as “Ecdysterone” or “20-hydroxyecdysone” also occurs in some plants such as Cyanotis arachnoidea native to China with the highest concentration, and even Spinach and Quinoa. (4)

There is evidence that Ecdysterone — yes, the morphogenic hormone of lobsters, butterflies, spiders, snakes and birds — is a mild, effective non-toxic performance enhancement supplement linked to protein synthesis and building muscle. (5)

Let’s not forget the numerous beneficial hormones that we naturally produce though. In humans, the thoracic area contains the Thymus gland, which is between the lungs. The thymus produces many hormones, including: Thymopoietin, that fuels the production of T-cells and signals the pituitary gland; thymosin and thymulin for T-cell differentiation, and the immunomodulatory peptide hormone Thymic Humoral Factor. (3)

https://medcell.org/histology/immune_system_lab/thymus_lobule.php

The next lesson from the Lobster is figuring out how to better utilize existing pathways and create new ones. Animals and plants have adapted differently than us, and because of that, there’s a lot we can respectfully and nondestructively learn from them. Ocular regeneration in crustaceans is a great example of a novel pathway that is a “genetic coordination of cellular reprogramming” involving glial [nervous systems ‘glue] cells and re-differentiation of retinal cells. (7)

That certainly makes me think of parallels in humans to achieve the same, that instead of surgery or transplant, there could be a pathway to stimulate using targeted sound or light frequencies, for example. Sound and light have strong and proven effects on the endocrine and other body systems. And “sonogenetics” and “optogenetics” are both fields on the cusp. (8) There’s also the use of certain plant compounds or foods, as earlier mentioned — aka “nutrigenomics.” (9)

The endocrine or hormone system is an important network [within networks] in many organisms, that modulates growth. For humans, the pituitary gland is referred to as the “Master Gland,” is located at the base of the brain, in line with top of the nose. And behind it at a slight upward angle is the pineal gland, a non-visual photosensitive organ, in the deep middle of the brain. It should be noted though that most vertebrates have these “third eye” glands. So another lesson here is that we have more in common with Animalia and Plantae (and even Fungi) than not.

The glands and hormones are transformative in many species and making connections with knowledge helps us evolve. This evolution can be viewed as simultaneously biological and spiritual, and physical, mental or emotional because all are part of the organism’s being. The process of molting or shedding, of cycles of regeneration or change can be better understood by us for enhancement of quality of life and longevity.

The last lesson here from the lobster is what could be mistaken for the end could actually be an opportunity for another beginning. And we can possibly find the optimal steps, pathways and conditions to adapt to ongoing regeneration. In all likelihood, that is one reason why there is yet an enormous amount more to learn about biology in general and a vastness to the genome, because we have only scratched the surface of what are capable of understanding and achieving, that we are at the next stage of growth, in exercising our agency.

1. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmars.2022.855391/full#:~:text=Molting%20in%20crustacean%20is%20under,start%20of%20the%20molting%20process.

2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5838783/#:~:text=Steroid%20hormones%20are%20cyclical%20chemical,energy%20metabolism%2C%20homeostasis%20and%20reproduction.

3. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/23016-thymus

4. https://www.nature.com/articles/srep37322

5. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31123801/

6. https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/archive/lifestyle/ajna-chakra-how-to-open-the-pineal-eye-669185

7. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2468550X1730196X

8. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1935861X22002066

9. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2137135/

Studio Shangri-La Featured Enviro Art: “Guardians”

Studio Shangri-La • Guardians :: The feeling of this photo piece is that nature made us & nature is making us come together. Also influenced by respect for animals & their sentience & intelligence, an important issue featured in latest Guardians Of The Galaxy movie. These are crows mid flight in Somerville, MA. See also the ornate version below.

Environmental art is at the heart of Studio Shangri-La output as well as new ways of expressing it that are more eco friendly such as digital, and new and upcycled, non toxic materials.

New Mixed Media + New Music: “Spirit” Glass + LEDs & “A Human’s World”

Large mixed media on heavy upcycled glass with paint, multicolor multimodal LEDs that are also sound sensitive. See gallery below for prayer text. Inspired by the unity of spirituality & science. See previous posts on this main page for further detail and Art Shops page for purchase.

2023 EP

Studio Shangri-La Mixed Media Painting

DRIP
fabricate::recreate
Alchemy Sun

DRIP

Another original mixed media 5’X3’ made of gesso’s, acrylics and water based spray paint, as well as acrylic paint pots. Inspired by NBA/WNBA runways, international fashion, creativity & imagination, self expression, the art of life, cycles of rebirth within life.

fabricate::recreate

This is 6 ft x 3 ft mixed media on canvas, with recycled fabrics, acrylics, glosses, and mica. The concept is the fabric of creation, and how we keep making things out of that which already exists, and that there is always room for more creation and transformation. The use of recycled materials to create a sort of stellar, lunar landscape underscores this.

Alchemy Sun

This is a large 36”x36”x2” mixed media that includes gold leaf, pyrite or fool’s gold, aluminum, and acrylics. The subject is, of course, alchemy or transformation, and the power of the sun. It has a strong and primitive visceral texture.

Spirit (Upcoming)

5’x3’x1/2” glass with paint, multicolor LEDS + spiritual text — See previous post for full details.

The first 3 are on display at Bogosplit, Copley Place, in Boston’s Back Bay.

Mixed Media In Process: “Spirit” Upcycled Glass w/ LEDs

“Spirit” is a large up-cycled glass piece that’s in process now. It features the text of a prayer, the fingerprint and central S, and of course the multicolor LEDs, so far.

“Spirit” by day with the candle inspiration

This is the modified prayer text based on the candle:

Come Holy Spirit and reveal to my soul, body and mind the mysteries of heavenly things, their exceeding greatness, power and beauty. Teach me to love them and all the joys of earth, and grant me the grace, 1 pray, that I might attain to them, and understand them, and hold them hereafter my own forever. Amen.

The Espiritu Santo candle was made by the Compton Continental Candle Company whose motto is “Lights Years ……. Ahead.” I’ve modernized and personalized the original prayer a bit, because I believe we are each on a unique spiritual journey or path — yet with commonality of course. I’m influenced by many spiritual traditions, yet do not subscribe to one religion and include my own perspective, experience and reasoning.

I consider science and spirituality to be connected, science being the study of life, the universe and everything, and spirituality being the reverence of this. This piece is also influenced by light and the electromagnetic spectrum, some of which we can see directly, some of which is perceived indirectly or through other senses, or technology.

The journey of discovery continues as both science and spirituality unveil the invisible and other realms, that of cells, molecules, atoms, quarks, space, dark matter, etc. In a way this can be viewed as understanding of “heavenly things” in relation to earth. That is one way of looking at it — increasingly coming into the light of knowledge, evolving on guided by nature, increasingly self aware and intelligent.

“Spirit” is about God or Universe, the greater organism, life force, the dynamic energy that permeates, and also the electric soul or consciousness that resides within the individual, and celebrates both, the search for knowledge together, the flow between the two, sometimes placid like the slow changing of the LEDs and other times somewhat very active or even chaotic, like the rapids setting of the LEDs, of which are the sound sensitive kind.

Spirit also considers the chakras defined by Hinduism and the Vedic tradition, and the flow of energy between them along the human spinal cord to the extremities and beyond, the bioelectric flow, the mind, body and spirit uniting through this conscious network of electromagnetic energy.

This is my artist’s perspective of course. The meaning of the artwork can go well beyond that with an open invitation of interpretations.

The next steps are adding more paint and refinement to the overall presentation and bringing out the text more. To be continued!

Studio Project Update: Large Scale Digital + Upcycled Glass

Studio Shangri-La adds to “The Conversation” by HHH Studio

The very latest Studio Shangri-La project to go live is a digital animation of some of the hi tech botanicals / visions of biosynergy, contributing to “The Conversation” by HHH Studio at Assembly Row, Somerville, MA on the Puma building. Humans are nature & even plant made (see:evolution), plus plants sustain us daily and provide quality of life, as well as beauty — so this presentation is wonderful. Thanks to HHH, a studio with multiple amazing projects around the city, plus Federal Realty.

The latest piece in the works is from found upcycled glass and contains a modified prayer based on my Holy Spirit / Espiritu Santo candle made by the Compton Candle Company. Stay tuned – it’s going to get illuminated.

Drip: Studio Shangri-La Featured Mixed Media

“Drip” is the latest 5 ft x 3 ft mixed media by Studio Shangri-La and is now on display at Bogosplit, Copley Place in Boston’s Back Bay.

This painting is inspired by basketball and international fashion, and is about the facets of self expression, the art of life and cycles rebirth within life, and the exuberance of imagination and creativity.

More updates to come on the collection at the Bogosplit showroom, where it complements the sportswear.

Studio Shangri-La ‘Hi Tech Botanical’ Feature: Arrowroot / Canna Lily

Continuing the hi tech botanical series, as plants are routinely so, just in a different way and so sophisticated there is much yet to learn. They’ve been evolving far longer in their realm!

Canna Lily / Arrowroot has a number of edible and medicinal uses, the most common of which is the root being used for flour.

This layout is influenced by art deco & contains graphic design elements to express the multi or extradimensional, the unseen in nature or biology.

These are available at a few different outlets or direct, in multiple formats such as glass or traditionally framed. Please see the portfolio and contact pages.

Studio Shangri-La New & Recent Projects

Artemis Amenti • Blue Shift Red Shift EP • OCTAVES

Just released July 7th, the EP is 5 tracks and precursor to an album, based on a lifecycle and the processes of transformation that occur within with cosmic references. The progression of tracks tell that story. It’s a personal perspective, but is large in scope with themes. This an alternative rock / folk release that is/was an expression of particular place and set of circumstances. The songs were written at home, yet adventurously recorded at Real World Studios near Bath UK in specifically the Wood Room. It was a wonderful experience and I learned a lot! At the same time lately, I’ve also produced music in a completely different genre, like the single Karma.

Karma is a bouncy dance track yet with a thoughtful and provocative narrative. This one is not supposed to be literal, but overall to bring up how one looks at life, and transactional / conditional cultural and even spiritual narratives in life, the spectrum of desires, enjoying life and feeling safe in self expression, love and passion. I like to celebrate what insights or questions I’ve gathered, and try to understand more through music. The spectrum of colors is on display here as well, a nod to the chakras and getting in tune with oneself, to be able to flow more with life.

In visual arts, there’s another mixed media in the works about fashion & imagination that will be really colorful by the time it’s finished, and then go to join a couple of others at Bogosplit, Copley Place. This process has been fairly streamlined from getting in the groove of more experience, yet there is some experimentation with different materials to achieve the desired look and effect! The application of multiple layers does take some time to stack up too. More concepts to come and more elaboration on this concept to come also.

Also upcoming is my digital contribution to The Conversation by HHH Studio at Assembly Row. It’s a large beautiful installation of LEDs that definitely enhances the area. I’m contributing animations of my hi tech botanicals, which are to me visions of biosynergy.

Environment, Industry & Public Health: Four Categorical Solutions For Positive Planetary Transformation

https://www.nasa.gov/topics/earth/images/index.html

Environment, industry and public health are inextricably linked. Environment is of course our home planet Earth, the space in which we live and operate. And its health and condition affect our own wellbeing. The manner in which industry is conducted and the materials used directly affect environment. Thus, our behavior and choices directly affect environment. It becomes a reflection. So the question comes up: Do we want to prioritize our health? Because the earth and its marvelously complex processes sustain us. The elements of nature nourish us, as we are a part of it and very much not in isolation.

This presentation of solutions might seem oversimplified and perhaps it is, but it’s helpful to have to an overarching vision or roadmap. In the words of Carlos Santana, “it takes courage to be happy,” that is, to create a positive constructive vision and to act on what is going well to the best of one’s abilities.

https://www.quotescosmos.com/people/Buckminster-Fuller-quotes.html

The first categorical solution is Improved Manufacturing Standards. There are far too many known noxious substances and known carcinogens in circulation. This is probably one of the most obvious solutions for public health — if it’s a known hazard, don’t proliferate it. The knowledge of what and what not to use is widely in circulation. And the regularly updated Proposition 65 List is good place to start.

One among many ubiquitous warning labels

With more research and consideration, the awareness is relatively easy to implement, especially with the aid of emergent technologies such as Machine Learning. Better formulations with lifecycle factored in are entirely realistic. The impulse and even compulsion to make and create are strong, and this is an amazing human quality and one that imbues all life. Perhaps though, intelligence asks now that we be more careful and conscientious. This will set the tone in a way for how to proceed on other worlds, on how to constructively flow with what is there, to use the natural qualities of the environment synergetically instead of unknowing or exploitatively.

What’s the hurry after all? Philosophically and emotionally, perhaps the fear of death and associated nihilism. It’s becoming increasingly apparent though that that too could be skirted through better understanding of and trust in nature. Such death and destruction have most likely been scourges of ignorance, cast as shadows as we step into the light of increased reason, self awareness and true knowledge rather than rote memorization. In this way respect and understanding are linked to longevity.

https://www.ishn.com/articles/113169-manufacturing-industry-focuses-on-sustainability-by-revamping-cleaning-practices

The next categorical solution is Developmental Discernment. For example, using for a site preexisting development, of which there are many; re-greening, reforesting, and planting a native diversity of edible botanicals and medicinals. That might seem like a tall order but there are already a lot of structures and developed land that could be revamped and repurposed. Here in Boston, the area is already quite urban of course, so new and improved construction can supplant what is already there. As aforementioned, materials and methods matter and make a huge difference on the impact of the surrounding environment. Choice by choice and project by project, contextual planning and thinking will improve the quality of life for all. These two categories so far would take care of many health concerns, namely cancer, the business of which necessarily transform.

Large scale sustainability and process initiatives in manufacturing and development would be majorly impactful. The next two categorical solutions are related, as well as linked to each other: Waste Prevention and Waste Management.

Waste Prevention comes in the form of materials selection and design. The complex chemical synthesis and the good old-fashioned ingenuity exist to create readily biodegradable and compostable substances and products. This would prevent the accumulation of waste that no one should have to live around and amongst. This in turn would uproot one cause of disease. Once again, environmental health and human health are connected.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/01/230123083443.htm#:~:text=Summary%3A,eats%20and%20actually%20digests%20plastic.&text=The%20bacterium%20Rhodococcus%20ruber%20eats%20and%20actually%20digests%20plastic.,-This%20has%20been

On the Waste Management side, we can employ our friends and inventors the microorganisms, especially the ones with strange appetites for the likes of plastic and radioactive waste — and not “one day.” This is one relatively low tech solution that can be implemented now. The byproducts of baterial digestion are often beneficial like oxygen. There are other solutions that are promising like novel chemistries, however this would be efficient and could make use of existing infrastructure.

The combined effect of these four categorical solutions would be tremendous. It is the intent here to be encouraging and offer an approachable vision.

Studio Shangri-La Art Of The Day: Flower Fusion Reactor Core

The latest in a brightly colored series is “Flower Fusion Reactor Core” inspired by the power & energy of nature, as well as the new frontiers in technology, often best informed and influenced by earth sciences. Really, it all seems like earth or cosmic sciences split into subcategories!

Anyway, this exuberant piece is made of photos of Lantana Camara flowers to create the appearance of a fusion reactor, which mimics the sun’s power. The sun is of course also readily available to use for energy, yet fusion especially holds promise for space applications.

The piece also highlights the remarkable adaptations of plants in energy transfer and conversion, having had more evolution than humans in that regard!

Studio Shangri-La Fine Art Features: Color Block + New Mixed Media

The latest experimentation is with color block or color field style, inspired by the prominent painter Rothko. expander, named for the op art sort of shape here, concept of the broad color spectrum and dimensional universe, and also the chakras, the energetics centers, or loci of the body. The affect was achieved with an open door and different types of lighting, and then digital processing applied to that.

My next mixed media piece is also in the works, and you can see the partial version and process below.

So far it’s just black and white, but that is going to change very soon. Thanks to Bogosplit at Copley Place in Back Bay, this one already has a home and is joining the other two large pieces — alchemy sun and fabricate re-create.

Studio Shangri-La Fine Art Feature: Urban Wildflower Variations

WILD LOVE
CROWN SPIRAL
URBAN WILDFLOWERS
URBAN WILDFLOWERS WINDOW
URBAN WILDFLOWERS II
URBAN WILDFLOWERS TAPESTRY
URBAN WILDFLOWERS GATE

Happy to present this fresh mini-series for June. The main featured flower here is the Purple Crown or Securigaria, a wild flower that prevents erosion. Here it’s mixed in with other grasses, as they do naturally, and photographed in an urban environment in which they can grow in their wild beauty. The most obvious clear shape is the heart in the series, then the spiral. Also apparent is use of both black and white space — several are in a space black color blocking layout to emphasize the juxtaposition of natural earth and city environment, and how they can coexist harmoniously, how we need and thrive the nurtured offerings of the earth. These are available in various formats both direct and via the different outlets and agencies listed on the Portfolio and Shop pages. Glass is recommended.

Life is inherently creative.

Studio Shangri-La Mixed Media @ Bogosplit, Copley Place

It’s great to be able to partner with Bogosplit at both Assembly Row and now Copley Place for this mixed media feature.

On display and for sale are “fabricate::recreate” and “Alchemy Sun.”

fabricate::recreate is a tribute to the unending process and potential of creation, from the cosmic – as this has a stellar/lunar appearance – to the individual, making a painting out of recycled fabrics. The piece contains a large quantity of mica, acrylics and various glosses. The title also references the process of mechanical fabrication, of applying layers like a microchip. “Recreate” also has an alternate pronunciation, as in having fun and enjoying the process.

“Alchemy Sun” is symbolic, dedicated to the ongoing process of transformation, refinement and evolution. It celebrates the power of the sun and cosmic rays that share their benevolence with us every day, part of the truly awesome grand design. It is also an emblem of perseverance, not giving up on visions, of personal evolution and growth, of learning and discovering from process.

Tech Essay: Quantum Technologies For Aerospace

https://www.quantumcommshub.net/research/proposal-for-space-borne-quantum-memories-for-global-quantum-networking/

The realization of quantum computing and technologies calls for breakthrough innovations both ideological and pragmatic. The areas of science contributing include but are not limited to Quantum Physics, Computer Science, Materials Science, Engineering and Chemistry.

The development of quantum technologies requires a multidisciplinary approach, and then interdisciplinary collaboration. Every day there is new research and the field is rapidly evolving. Ultimately, this accelerated progress could benefit from some form of standardization and systems thinking to unite the work of numerous groups.

It’s exciting to enumerate all the possible quantum advancements, from computing power and simulation, to cybersecurity. Quantum is certainly positioned as the next wave in tech, affecting many sectors.

One of those sectors is most assuredly aerospace, and the new frontier of space technology and exploration. Successfully implemented, Quantum Communications would provide a significant advantage for sending large amounts of information rapidly and securely over vast distances, as well as for the optimization and then execution of complex missions with lots of moving parts or devices.

As of now, IBM seems to be leading the charge in general purpose practical incorporation of quantum computing. The “Condor” with more than 1,000 qubits is set to debut some time this year, with further increase on the horizon. Specialized to optimization, D-Wave Systems’ “The Advantage” has already exceeded 5,000 qubits.

https://spectrum.ieee.org/ibm-condor#toggle-gdpr

IBM uses physical metallic superconducting qubits patterned on silicon and likewise; D-Wave also uses superconducting in conjunction with quantum annealing, or using quantum physics to find the energetic ground state, or solution to a problem.

Speaking of problems to overcome, the greatest challenge for quantum computing in general – not just for aerospace – is Decoherence, or loss of the quantum entangled state. Quantum noise, or energy fluctuations that are inherent to the materials, is also an issue.

One more “natural” form of the qubit is the ion qubit, an ion being an electrically charged atom, and most notably in production by the company IonQ. This system is also sensitive to environmental fluctuations though, needing a vacuum.

It should be noted that these challenges may be overcome by emulating natural quantum systems, such as photosynthesis for one example, which maintains coherence and even constructively uses noise to assist energy transfer. Even our most advanced concepts circle back to nature, to journey out into the cosmos. Bio-influenced computing is definitely a branch of the field to watch.

https://www.azoquantum.com/Article.aspx?ArticleID=97

For the aforementioned environmentally sensitive technologies, the vacuum of space may be just the place for them to operate. And quantum devices such as satellites in space could further enable the technologies on earth.

That said though, there is quantum noise in space, or electromagnetic frequencies — not to be confused with sound naturally audible by us, but less of it in research conditions.

As an aside, the background noise and frequencies of space are actually important, in determining location and cosmic events for example, and so could probably – once again – be somehow utilized constructively via natural systems.

The next step for the joining of quantum and aerospace, is putting the technologies to the test in that environment. Here in the States, NASA Quantum Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (QuAIL) for one has been tasked with this, in collaboration with Google, Rigetti and D-Wave.

A couple of specific projects include Space Entanglement and Annealing QUantum Experiment (or SEAQUE) testing quantum communications equipment resiliency and the sensitive Performance-Enhanced Array for Counting Optical Quanta (PEACOQ) detector, to enable a quantum network over long distances. And it does incidentally, look like a peacock fan! There is also quantum research happening aboard the ISS, with a multitude of potential avenues.

The conclusions here are that “there’s more than one way to make a qubit” and that aerospace is an ideal sector for quantum computing both as it exists at large right now both and in potentiality, in enhancing spacecraft function and also designing successful complex missions.

Studio Shangri-La Pop Art Feature: “Floating Hibiscus”

Studio Shangri-La • Floating Hibiscus • The foundation of everything is supreme beauty. The material is the spiritual & the spiritual is the material. There is more than meets the eye. Looking beyond the surface into the bioelectric realm, of a flower for instance, reveals its complex energy systems that inspire human technology. The mundane is spectacular.

See below for the series. See the collection as prints, housewares and other goods on: Society6, TurningArt, Saatchi Art.

Studio Shangri-La Podcast: Space + Technology — Advanced Propulsion For Interstellar Travel

Spotify homepage

Interested guests please reach out through the Contact page. Seeking those enthusiastic about their field, or area of expertise or interest.

_______

Arts & Sciences • Tech • Philosophy • Society & Culture

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this: