Happy Easter!

[nakedbee]

Kidney Dragons


Bigger images & Backstory under the cut

The Inspiration:
In 2007 I was making silicone models of the insides of human kidneys. The image below was my main photo reference for sculpting the molds. The medical device we were testing didn't end up going anywhere, but the silicone molding skills sure came in handy later. :) Anyway, every time I looked at the images, I couldn't help thinking how much cuter they would be with the judicious application of a few googly eyes.


The Explanation:
The way the images above were made was this (might want to skip if you're squeamish about medical stuff):
* start with a cadaver
* inject liquid plastic from the bladder up the ureters and into the kidneys
* let harden
* dissolve away the flesh with acid, leaving only the plastic cast of the calyxes, which are the open (or at least, normally fluid filled) spaces inside the kidney.


The Dragons:
The project lay neglected on my hard drive for a few years. Then, last week, I saw How to Train Your Dragon and was so charmed by the movie that I finally worked up the motivation to start drawing. My drawing skills are still pretty rudimentary, but my tracing-in-Photoshop skills are developing nicely!

Comments

[bientot]

In the teaching wing of the med school (UW) they have casts of the circulation of various organs - the kidneys were my favorite, the fractal branchings into smaller and smaller delicate tributaries... I'm only sorry your photos stop at the major arteries. But the addition of the 'googly eyes' is adorable!

[commodoremarie.livejournal.com]

These are fantastic! Also very interesting to know how the castings are made. But I think you're right on target - much better with cute little faces! I'm particularly tickled by 3L, though I think 7R persists as my favorite.

Now you just need to get a movie deal on these!

[akjdg.livejournal.com]

Wow and wow. And cool (and cool).

No particular order there.

[gloriana.livejournal.com]

It is my deep honour to know someone as determined to warp space, time and medical culture as yourself.

Also, I like 3L absolutely the best, not only because he bears distinct resemblances of personality to our new cat, but also because he's cute when he's annoyed.

[frogpyjamas.livejournal.com]

children's book! And the follow up could be butterfly lungs!