Axonal Sheath Dress

by Elizabeth Janss

“I sculpt biological structures that traditionally are only observed and discussed in the scientific context. My sculptures may seem abstract in nature, but I draw upon actual neurons, tissues, and organs to explore the realm of perception and emotion as they manifest in physical form. I created a retinal ganglion cell that is over 5 feet tall allowing the viewer to “see” a neuron that enables vision, adding enamel details representing depolarizing ionic inputs. A sculpture of the peritoneum uses dramatic glaze techniques to illustrate how upset your stomach feels and how much your body aches during times of emotional stress. My hope is that the viewer will see biology and mental well-being paired in a new and dynamic form. My curiosity about the brain has taken me through two degrees in neuroscience from UPENN, and a career as a lawyer, where I often represented clients that had brain injuries. I have been working with clay the past 7 years and now fully devote my time to it.”