Inspired by Carl Sagan's profound assertion that "we are all made of star stuff," this series of works focus on the complex relationship between the cosmos and our very existence. It explores how the chemical elements that compose the human body were forged through astrophysical and nuclear processes, originating from the cataclysmic events of the universe – from the Big Bang to the spectacular explosions of supernovae and the violent collisions of neutron stars.

The pieces are grounded in the latest research in nuclear astrophysics conducted at the Facility of Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB) in Michigan. Utilizing generative techniques, data from stellar phenomena is transformed into humanlike forms, visually representing the connection between the cosmos and our biological makeup through a screen object titled “us.” Another  work, ‘monumentum,’ features a simulated representation of neutron star collisions, culminating in a moment inspired by a fascinating phenomenon: just before these collisions occur, neutron stars emit gravitational waves at frequencies within the human hearing range.

The use of photo etching printing plates, particularly those made from copper, adds a unique resonance to the representation of cosmic imagery. Copper, along with other elements like iron and nickel, has a profound connection to the cosmos, as many of these elements were formed in the cores of stars through nuclear fusion and subsequently dispersed throughout the universe during supernova events. This cosmic origin story ties copper and other metals directly to the life cycle of stars, the creation of elements, and ultimately, the formation of planets and life.

The photo etching plates, showing images based on data, symbolize the cyclical connection between materials on Earth and in space, embodying the idea that the elements in our own bodies, including copper, were once forged in the hearts of ancient stars. Through both digital works and traditional techniques such as copper etching, this series builds a bridge to the development of human beings.