My time at the REDI Lab has been a transformative journey, one that allowed me to explore new dimensions of creativity and discover a unique medium for artistic expression. When I first began, I didn’t consider myself an artist, and I certainly wasn’t sure where my work would lead. In fact, for much of my life, I struggled with art. My attempts at various forms of artistic expression, from drawing to painting, never truly resonated with me. I felt disconnected from the traditional mediums, and at one point I even doubted whether I could ever find my place in the world of art. However, through the process of working at the REDI Lab, my perspective shifted.
At the start, I approached the lab with a desire to raise awareness about a significant issue: the lack of healthcare access. I thought that art could be a powerful tool to convey this message to others. But as I worked and received feedback, I realized that art isn’t something that can be forced onto an audience in a particular way. It’s deeply subjective, and every person sees it differently. I began to understand that while raising awareness through art is a noble goal, it’s also important to let art speak for itself without trying to dictate how others should interpret it. This realization led me to change my project direction multiple times. Initially focused on healthcare, I then shifted to exploring politics and public service announcements, but none of these felt quite right. Eventually, I came full circle, back to where I started, but with a newfound understanding of what I wanted to create. Instead of trying to push a specific message, I decided to incorporate my own personal ideas and beliefs into the art without forcing them upon others. This process helped me find a more authentic artistic path. I began to explore combining my passions for science and engineering with art, and I reached an unexpected conclusion: bacteria art.
The concept was unconventional, but it resonated with me. I spent weeks researching colorful bacteria and experimenting with ways to incorporate this fascinating subject into my project. I created two initial pieces as a way to test how my new materials, including bacteria as my “paintbrush,” would interact on my chosen canvas. Through this exploration, I found that art doesn’t always need to fit a traditional mold. It’s not about adhering to rules or expectations; it’s about expressing yourself in a way that feels right to you. I realized that the arts, which I once thought were beyond my reach, had been waiting for me to find my unique approach. At REDI Lab, I was given the freedom and support to experiment, fail, and ultimately discover an art form that felt personal and meaningful.
Looking back, my time at the REDI Lab has been more than just an exploration of art. It has been a journey of self-discovery. I went from feeling like an outsider in the world of art to realizing that art is something everyone can create, as long as they find their own medium. And that is the message I want to share: if art has ever felt out of reach, I encourage you to step back, explore, and find your own unique way to express your artistic (and scientific) self.
