cordisre:

Stranger Visions by Heather Dewey-Hagborg

This super interesting project consists of 3D printed portraits based on DNA samples taken from objects found on the streets of Brooklyn (like gum, cigarettes and hair). Dewey-Hagborg worked with a DIY biology lab called Genspace, where she met a number of biologists who taught her everything she now knows about molecular biology and DNA. Via an interview with the artist:

So I extract the DNA in the lab and then I amplify certain regions of it using a technique called PCR – Polymerase Chain Reaction. This allows me to study certain regions of the genome that tend to vary person to person, what are called SNPs or Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms.

I send the results of my PCR reactions off to a lab for sequencing and what I get back are basically text files filled with sequences of As, Ts, Cs, and Gs, the nucleotides that compose DNA. I align these using a bioinformatics program and determine what allele is present for a particular SNP on each sample.

Then I feed this information into a custom computer program I wrote which takes all these values which code for physical genetic traits and parameterizes a 3d model of a face to represent them. For example gender, ancestry, eye color, hair color, freckles, lighter or darker skin, and certain facial features like nose width and distance between eyes are some of the features I am in the process of studying.

I add some finishing touches to the model in 3d software and then export it for printing on a 3d printer. I use a Zcorp printer which prints in full color using a powder type material, kind of like sand and glue.

Really liked my hair today.

Oftentimes I joke around and say I want a ”sugar daddy” simply to provoke laughter. I am actually very Gay. I’ve talked about it with my girlfriend from time to time and she kinda chuckles and tells me to get her free video games when I find one. Well.. just a while ago I was sitting outside my dad’s church and a guy began to speak to me. At first I was convinced he was a little bit friendly but as the conversation unfolds I realized he was actually trying very hard to flirt by asking very personal questions like ”Are you married?” So that slightly made me feel a bit uncomfortable. I didn’t want to be rude so I safely tried to disengage. As I tried to say I had to go he pulled out his wallet and LITERALLY just threw it out there & said he would give me $3,000 on the spot if I would be his girlfriend. I froze. Chills straight to the bone but i managed to snap out of it and walk away with a facial expression that left him feeling a bit schitzy or psycho. That was by far the worst feeling I have ever experienced. It was such a nightmarish feeling like when you’re falling from a dream at full speed & wake up unexpectedly. From that day to today, I have never ever joked around that I want a ”sugar daddy” that’s just weird & a very soft form of prostitution.

— ♥

Growing up I had the ability to freely let myself go and try many things. Partially I guess that’s because I was not fully-fledged and maybe I was not very aware of consequences. I guess I simply never really bothered to actually think of the outcome possibilities. For example, when I was little I would ride my bicycle quick and swiftly like if it was impossible to fall and break a bone. Well, today I rode a bike. For a split second I actually ”panicked” because I didn’t see a break petal before I even sat on the bike. As I began to ride the bike and slowly warm up to the idea that I was actually on a giant tricycle I realized how amazing it was to let go. Breaking the wind and feeling it wrapping around me all at once was such a fascinating feeling. I came to the conclusion that often times I can over analyse things and quit before actually giving it a good try. Well, after that fascinating rush I grew brave and rode a scooter for blocks and blocks. Even if I wasn’t going as fast as I imagine it brought back endless memories and childhood feelings. The smile on my face was probably the most honest and gracious smile I can possibly ever share with anyone and i’m just glad I got to share it with my girlfriend.

Always with by babymommah ♥

LAYING DOWN OUTSIDE & HAPPY!

my girlfriend makes it rain on me lol

(via 2manytuesdays)

mysmileismydisguise:

I will marry anyone to do this

(Source: ithasoul, via monsethedork)

(Source: lipgallagher, via weedandsyrup)

(via sl00w-d00wn)