CRYSTAL COPERNICUS
2018
Various Sizes
Part of the series of crystal sculptures on the origins of life in salt and water. Considering the role of salts in our bodies, earth and universe; how nature forms and grows; and women’s empowerment, these works are 3D printed sculptures with natural additive manufacturing crystal growth.
Crystal Copernicus large scale hanging sculpture made with generous sponsorship by Titanic Design and support from Benjamin Julian.
Amy Karle’s work as American Arts Incubator exchange artist to Poland and as first Artist in Residence at Copernicus Science Center considers the “Layers of Life” and how we form — biologically / socially / emotionally / spiritually — on all levels, while questioning, “What is life in the bio-tech era?” Karle wanted to transcend these layers — from the micro to the macro, from the individual to the social, from the internal to the external, from the depths of the earth to the sky, space, and beyond. She conducted artistic research in the labs at Copernicus Science Centre and in two UNESCO heritage sites, the Wieliczka and Bochnia Royal Salt Mines. She did research in one of the deepest parts of the earth accessible to humans in Bochnia, and studied crystallization, salt and concepts of space at Copernicus. Karle researched how nature forms and grows: in this case the natural additive manufacturing (natural 3D printing) of salt and crystallization. She also considered salt as a vital, life-sustaining element in our bodies and of our earth, and learned about theories surrounding the origins of life concerning salt. Combining her research, influences, and inspiration, she created performance art, sculptures, prints, and a planetarium show (film) for the Heavens of Copernicus Planetarium. Karle is thankful for her partners, participants, collaborators and supporters without whose support this project would not be possible.
Created while American Arts Incubator exchange artist to Poland and as Artist in Residence at Centrum Nauki Kopernik (Copernicus Science Center). American Arts Incubator is a cultural exchange initiative of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs administered by ZERO1 to address community issues through cross-cultural art collaborations. American Arts Incubator – Poland was implemented in collaboration with U.S. Embassy Warsaw and the Copernicus Science Centre Centrum Nauki Kopernik.