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://artthescience.com/magazine/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Doodle-Lungs-2021-785x1024.jpg)
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://artthescience.com/magazine/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Organic-Brain-2021-785x1024.jpg)
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://artthescience.com/magazine/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Nodes-Anatomical-Heart-2021-785x1024.jpg)
![A image of kidney with colourful doodles.](https://artthescience.com/magazine/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/City-Kidney-2021-785x1024.jpg)
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://artthescience.com/magazine/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Confetti-Liver-2021-785x1024.jpg)
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://artthescience.com/magazine/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Flow-Anatomical-Heart-2021-785x1024.jpg)
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://artthescience.com/magazine/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Doodle-Kidney-2021-785x1024.jpg)
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://artthescience.com/magazine/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Whimsical-Lungs-2021-785x1024.jpg)
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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