Mapping Galaxies in Iron - in progress

Through stories, we are able to chart and map regions that are inaccessible to us. Galaxies and solar nebulae exist outside of our daily reach and therefore, we must imagine. Scientific data and photographs open this space for imagination, bringing it into the everyday of our lives.

Mapping Galaxies in Iron is currently in progress and consists of CNC prototypes of composite images of data provided by the Hubble Space Telescope and other ground-based telescopes. My process uses 3D modeling technology, to map and print objects out of High Density Polyethylene thermoplastic. By filling in unmapped areas, space ironically becomes a surface map. This work is intended to function as a point of departure for harnessing the imagination.

Image credit:  NASA, ESA, and the Hubble Heritage Team (STScI/AURA).

Funding for this project was made possible through the Puffin Foundation and Texas Woman’s University’s ORSP, CAS and SOA faculty research and development grants.