Things We Can’t See
“Things We Can’t See” Ruth Joray This year I worked with a bright third grade boy who has a considerable reading disability and also has a creative mind. His goal is to become a scientist and to own a microscope to look at invisible things. I brought him a book about microorganisms that live in ponds. He can’t read it, but he learned everything I read to him. I made him diagrams so he could learn the organisms’ body parts. His interest re-ignited my own in microorganisms. Micro-photographic images of human cells, one-celled organisms, rare sea creatures and other elusive life forms inspire these painting designs. No longer able to meet with my student, I’m painting about the microorganisms over which we bonded. The paintings are on silk panels, with specific silk dyes. Movements, patterns, rhythms and colors of the creatures inspire the designs.