Name: Melissa Freund
Which came first in your life, the science or the art?
It was more art, then science, then art again. Let me explain. I was always creating as a child and was drawn to anything art related. Then when I was trying to decide what I wanted to study in college, I decided against art and wanted to go with something more “practical.” My more practical degree was in mechanical engineering, and I did love it. I ended up leaving the engineering field seven years ago when my daughter was born. She is very medically complex, and I knew very few jobs would be flexible with the ongoing doctor’s appointments/surgeries/therapies. My daughter needed three open heart surgeries in the first two years of her life.
![A image of lungs doodled with colours](https://glossingdress.com/lib/img/all/579/00b874caa8f33d2d8c793640554612c070f61909f3aff30a2a0e63d5637610fe/9deab0f9e59205a69c00adfe4181f4a9f0336c669b7dbf4f33dbb7e3c6212ca2.jpeg)
As a way to cope, I started drawing anatomical hearts. It was personal at first, but I then started sharing it with the CHD (congenital heart disease) community. I finally took all of the hearts I’d been drawing along the way and in April 2021, I self-published a colouring book called Anatomical Hearts. In September 2021, I also got into the NFT (non-fungible token) space. In that space, I have my anatomical hearts and am actively creating lungs, livers, kidneys, and brain pieces.
![A image of brain made with colourful doodles.](https://glossingdress.com/lib/img/all/579/00b874caa8f33d2d8c793640554612c070f61909f3aff30a2a0e63d5637610fe/a5bb41ab6ab135a0fecafd760ad947b37a84f898cd9ea2026a6199999ced977f.jpeg)
Which sciences relate to your art practice?
I would call what I create medical art. I try to stay as true as possible to the specific body part while adding in my touches. I want my pieces to be creative and technical but not intimidating. I want my art to appeal to researchers/doctors/nurses/etc. and people with minimal knowledge of those fields. I hope my pieces spur people to want to learn more, help people process something in their journey, or find their way to people who just like my art.
![A image of heart in grey colour](https://glossingdress.com/lib/img/all/579/00b874caa8f33d2d8c793640554612c070f61909f3aff30a2a0e63d5637610fe/d9f62b2398be9e53ba170241f9a973ad0abb521903b456e5478b5f86761b8c06.jpeg)
![A image of kidney with colourful doodles.](https://glossingdress.com/lib/img/all/579/00b874caa8f33d2d8c793640554612c070f61909f3aff30a2a0e63d5637610fe/c3a98693eb740de7ff36a8b2d47131552b539aeff72b4387448619d1a99fdce6.jpeg)
What materials do you use to create your artworks?
I start one of two ways—I either draw on paper with Micron pens or draw with my iPad Pro and Apple pencil in the Procreate app. After that, I take the image and send it over to Adobe Illustrator. I create a vector and add colour. My art is usually shared electronically, or it is viewed in my physical colouring book.
![A image of liver with colourful doodles.](https://glossingdress.com/lib/img/all/579/00b874caa8f33d2d8c793640554612c070f61909f3aff30a2a0e63d5637610fe/66a6d4b913ff109e6d418abd8d00dbe3f7ca122cf47d6b874bed832026d0ec0a.jpeg)
Artwork/Exhibition you are most proud of?
There isn’t a single piece that I’m most proud of, although my Anatomical Hearts collection is closest to my own heart because of our daughter’s congenital heart defects.
![A image of heart in bright colours](https://glossingdress.com/lib/img/all/579/00b874caa8f33d2d8c793640554612c070f61909f3aff30a2a0e63d5637610fe/01e093fb691c49ef225e985765b06ec0e0b3cb381bc4d252da1189d34b03b854.jpeg)
Which scientists and/or artists inspire and/or have influenced you?
Charley Harper is one of my most favourite artists. His play with nature, shapes, geometry, symmetry, and camouflage have always intrigued me. I love the simplicity and complexity that seems to happen at the same time in all his works.
![A image of kidney doodled over with blue and purple colours.](https://glossingdress.com/lib/img/all/579/00b874caa8f33d2d8c793640554612c070f61909f3aff30a2a0e63d5637610fe/edbcca50e6719cf870d3c6320601fefe050e09bf2a3b9260315e105edfeabd2b.jpeg)
SciArt is an emerging term related to combining art and science. How would you define it?
I like the STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, mathematics) movement where the technical fields are enhanced and coloured by the arts. Together, they create the fullest examples of our human experiences.
![A image of lungs showcased with whimsical touch (black and colourful background).](https://glossingdress.com/lib/img/all/579/00b874caa8f33d2d8c793640554612c070f61909f3aff30a2a0e63d5637610fe/a1cd3313a1b279d00c49b5b9c16114eba47ea82fdd1d9b0caa50e39b0ac952d9.jpeg)
For more by Melissa Freund, visit her website, Instagram, and Twitter.
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Featured image: Ethereal Anatomical Heart (2021) by Melissa Freund.
All images courtesy of the artist.
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