A Galaxy Within II

We are each a little galaxy of our own. It's a mind-bending exercise trying to comprehend the 100 billion stars found in a typical galaxy. Yet, each of us has roughly the same number of neurons in our own brain, performing a symphony of consciousness. We are a staggeringly complex and unique collection of natural components, come together for a short, precious moment.

If you're disappointed by the realization that we are "just" collections of atoms, then you may want to consider more deeply the unfathomable multitude of those atoms, how intricately organized they are to facilitate life, and the oceans of time it took for evolution to shape them into that configuration. The average human body is comprised of more atoms than there are stars, not just in our galaxy, but in the visible universe. These 7 octillion atoms are arrayed in astonishing complexity to create 500 trillion cells of numerous types, each with its own suite of exquisite molecular machines, precisely folded proteins, and ordered genetic code. It's hard to comprehend how long it took for this intricate system to evolve. If that time were the Atlantic ocean at it's narrowest crossing, then all of human history would represent the first 13 feet from the shore. Just to get back to the point where our ancestor was some kind of fish is roughly 185 million generations that had to survive and pass on their genes so that you could experience this world, with all its heartache, and its wonder.

Oil on Panel
24 x 18 inches

I had a great time, as always, exhibiting at the IX Art Show last month!
Photo by Dave Seeley

Exhibiting at IX always helps to refocus my efforts and clarify my message. The experience of talking about my paintings with one person after another at the show has a way of distilling my thoughts down into their best expressions. What emerged from this years conversations became the second paragraph above. It's a reframing of what is often viewed as a great disappointment when coming to a naturalist world view, that we are "just" atoms. The reality is so staggeringly complex and amazing that I often found myself choking up as tried to convey it.

I am reminded of some wonderful scientific visualizations that have been made of the workings of the human cell. They're a great way to try to wrap your mind around the complexity that is required for us to exist. I highly recommend giving them a few minutes of your time.

Here is a video by Veritasium explaining some amazing cellular animations by Drew Berry.

And here is a short video about the amazing artwork of David Goodwill visualizing the workings of cells and viruses.