Art and Science Merge in Berkeley Couple's Unique Exhibit

A husband-wife duo from Berkeley is blending art and science in a fresh way. Tiffany Shlain and Ken Goldberg, both artists in their own right, have teamed up for a new project. Their work, "Ancient Wisdom for a Future Ecology: Trees, Time and Technology," is set to hit San Francisco soon.

Past Successes and Current Themes

This isn't their first rodeo. Over the past 20 years, they've created several award-winning films and projects together. But this time, they're diving deep into themes like time, trees, and technology. The exhibit kicks off in Los Angeles this fall and heads to San Francisco the following week.

The Artistic Process

The couple's art is a mix of Shlain's love for tree rings and Goldberg's passion for tech and AI. They use reclaimed wood from local sources, showing their commitment to sustainability. One standout piece is the "Tree of Knowledge," a massive eucalyptus slice. Shlain burned 160 questions into it, covering everything from feminist milestones to ancient Jewish history.

"The process is both thrilling and nerve-wracking."

Shlain uses a hot soldering tool to burn her designs into the wood, a method known as pyrography. Goldberg, on the other hand, explores the history of mathematics and AI in their work. He's particularly interested in how AI can both help and harm humanity.

Interactive Elements

The exhibit also includes interactive elements, like a website where people can upload pictures of trees. The AI system then identifies the tree, estimates its age, and creates a digital tribute. Goldberg sees this as a way to connect people with nature and technology.

Bringing the Exhibit to the Bay Area

Both artists are excited to bring their exhibit to the Bay Area. They hope it will spark conversations about the environment, technology, and our shared history. Tickets and more details are available online.