About the Voynich Manuscript Series:

I am inspired by the Voynich Manuscript, an unsolved mystery from the 15th century. This manuscript is written in an unknown script, but I am even more fascinated by its enigmatic artwork that is unlike anything in other medieval art.

I bring the manuscript’s drawings to life in three dimensions, using porcelain, flameworked glass, and illuminated plasma. Each sculpture reflects a meticulous process and attention to detail, capturing the idiosyncrasies of the Voynich Manuscript’s original artist. These strange plants, figures and structures that I sculpt are clearly recognizable from the manuscript’s pages, yet their meaning and context remains obscured - until one day when perhaps we are able to read the text. My sculptures embody this mystery, facilitating a dialogue between it and the modern viewer. 

About this sculpture:

"Lightning in a Star" is modeled after the unusual blue star drawing in the center of folio 82r. The bulbous shape is unique among the many hundreds of stars in the manuscript, and it is also connected to a cross-shaped structure on the left from which a number of wavy lines seem to emanate. One can only guess at the intent of the manuscript's original artist, but the image reminds me of lightning. Using the medium of plasma art - blown glass filled with noble gases - I crafted a star that encapsulates plasma lightning inside. It is filled with krypton gas and blue phosphor, energized by a high-voltage, high-frequency power supply. The fast-moving filaments of light are also touch-interactive.

Materials:

Flameworked borosilicate glass, krypton gas, phosphors, high-voltage electronic power supply