'Pulse - the Stuff of Life' is an innovative exhibition of new jewellery inspired by protein architecture and created by jeweller Sandra Wilson.

Sandra has developed a variety of different ways of representing the real data of protein forms through combining 3-dimensional protein architecture files (Rasmol/Chime) with computer aided manufacture such as electroforming and rapid prototyping.

The 3d models that have been produced through rapid prototyping are the first of their kind in the UK, which has led to a great deal of interest in the new work from the scientific community.

Explaining why she choose this subject Sandra said "Genetics is one of the most important cultural issues of our time.  As we change the genetic make up of our own and other life forms, the processes of making and creating are very important.  I'm particularly interested therefore in what differences there may be between how a scientist creates and how a craftsperson creates."

She received a Scottish Arts Council award for individual development to create this new body of work, and worked in partnership with jeweller Jivan Astfalck of the University of Central England and computational biologist Bernard de Bono from the Medical Research Council in Cambridge. 

Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design in Dundee, where Sandra is currently taking a PhD, also provided funding in addition to the time of staff members such as Fraser Bruce who worked on the rapid prototyping.

The exhibition ‘Pulse - The Stuff of Life’ is on at Centrespace, Visual Research Centre, Dundee Contemporary Arts, 152 Nethergate, Dundee from 17 July 2004 until 1 August 2004.  Opening hours are Wednesday to Friday 10.30am to 5.30pm and weekends 12.30 to 5.30pm.  Admission is free.