Inkblots and Ectoplasm: Interspecies Collaborations Across Time
Artist Thomas Little will discuss his work with the model organism Physarum polycephalum and inkblots. Using iron-based pigments and chemotactic herbal extracts, the collaboration between the artist and an ancient protean entity yields images that are evocative of both the anatomical and spectral. The history of inkblots, from totemic image to psychological diagnostic tool, will be discussed, as well as the preternatural behavior of Physarum, an organism that prompts the world of science to redefine what intelligence means. The assembly of these components and the rich associations they yield will be explored.
Thomas Little Artist Bio
Thomas Little is an artist and the proprietor of A Rural Pen Inkworks, a small operation that makes iron-based ink and pigments out of firearms. His process and artwork are informed by philosophies of the alchemical tradition. His work has been featured in the CNN Style section, American Craft magazine and Dark Mountain magazine. He has presented workshops and lectures at the New Orleans Pharmacy Museum, the Delaware Contemporary, the Rochester Institute of Technology and other institutions. His inks have also been collected for the material libraries of the University of Massachusetts and University of Pennsylvania.
Parking
The closest parking lot to the Rush Rhees Library is Library Lot. Use the Elmwood Avenue entrance to enter the River Campus. Stop at the parking kiosk just past this entrance to pay a parking fee. See the River Campus Visitor Guide for more information and a map of campus.
Access to Department
To access Robbins Library: Enter through the ground floor entrance of the Rush Rhees Library across from Library Lot, go straight down the hallway to the end, going past the elevator, restrooms, and the Art & Music Library. When you get to the end of the hallway, go up the stairs by the vending machines which will take you to the Eastman Quad entrance of the Library. Enter through the doors to your left, go through the Friedlander lobby, take a left and you will see an elevator. Take the elevator up to the 4th floor.
