Artscience: A Study of the Human Arterial and Venous Systems

Artscience: A Study of the Human Arterial and Venous Systems

Artscience is a blending of both aesthetic and scientific methods. This project combines both in a way that neither can be distinguished from the other. This is a study of the human arterial and venous systems. These systems were artistically represented as linoleum block prints. Two models were produced, one for the arterial system and the other for the venous system. The process used to make the models is called printmaking. Printmaking was one of the first forms of mass illustration with each print being considered an original. In this study two linoleum blocks were carved into the desired anatomical structures. Ink was placed on each of the blocks which were then pressed into twelve by eighteen sheets of printmaking paper for the print to register. Before the printing press was invented each print was hand pressed. In this project each print is hand pressed with a bamboo baren. Once the blocks are completed, multiple prints can be made from them. The prints for this project were labeled and laminated for use in future anatomy and physiology labs.