Allan Drummond (previously here) is a biochemist and molecular biologist who also creates stunning metallic sculptures of ancient fossils and cells. He uses his scientific knowledge and artistic skills to produce realistic replicas of organisms that are often lost or distorted in the fossil record, such as the underbellies of trilobites and the internal structures of cells. He combines digital sculpting, 3D printing, and metal casting to achieve his remarkable results.
Drummond’s sculptures are not only aesthetically pleasing, but also educational and informative. They reveal the intricate details and diversity of life forms that existed millions of years ago, as well as the processes and mechanisms that govern cellular functions. His works are inspired by his research on evolution, protein folding, and gene expression, as well as his fascination with natural history and paleontology. He collaborates with other scientists, collectors, and artists to ensure the accuracy and quality of his sculptures. Drummond’s sculptures are a unique and impressive example of how art and science can intersect and enrich each other.
So far, as a scientist, I’ve been on a slow journey to the bottom, to the deepest level of detail, from seeking to explain patterns of evolution spanning the tree of life, to probing how cells react to their environment, to tinkering with the pieces and parts of molecules swarming inside those cells. The details go all the way down, remaining absorbing and also consequential, worth knowing about and studying. That sensation of unexpectedly interesting detail is what I try to capture in my sculpture.
Allan Drummond
More info: Website, Instagram, Twitter (h/t: Colossal).
