Brain Waves: Creating Neurons (Recycling Plastic)

 

Making Neurons: Music Health Connections
Karen Benjamin, Artist

The activity was used to better understand and creatively explore the neural structures of the brain in relation to music-making. We worked collaboratively with Karen Benjamin (artist), music and health professionals.

Karen Benjamin led this creative workshop during the 2015 Brain Waves, Music Health Australia gathering at Moreton Bay Research Station on Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island). Karen is a Brisbane-based, self taught artist that recycles plastic materials into astounding creative works. http://www.karenbenjaminartist.com/

 

EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Recycled plastic bags, scissors, pipe cleaners, heat gun and extension cord.

  1. Take one grey recycled plastic bag and scrunch it into a ball.  Tie ball together with strips of plarn (yarn made from plastic).
  2. Slip pipe cleaners through plarn and twist to make dendrites and dendrite branches.
  3. Wrap ball and pipe cleaners with thick pieces of plarn.
  4. Wrap coloured pieces of plarn to brighten up your neuron.
  5. Gently heat treat your neuron with heat-gun in a well ventilated area. Outside is best.

One neuron will took approximately one hour to make.

Plarn was pre-cut for the workshop.

All equipment was provided.

The workshop revealed common links between music, health, and education professionals in their knowledge of neurological process that may impact on music-making. New ideas were expressed about how the neurology of the brain is like social networks--enhancing our thinking about the value of social connectivity.

Several people expressed the desire to explore further on this theme. The blog is ongoing as new ideas emerge.


Author:  Sandra Kirkwood, Director, Music Health Australia mobile 0488 624 362



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