FROM LAB
TO CANVAS
INSPIRATION
At CELLEPHORMS, we draw inspiration from the intricate, pattern-rich world of living systems. Guided by scientific curiosity and laboratory expertise, we create bioartworks that translate biological imagery into refined visual form. The collection moves from cellular architectures to botanical compositions, each work carefully observed, developed, and presented for those drawn to both science and art. Our aim is to invite a deeper way of seeing: the quiet complexity of the natural world, brought into focus.
PROCESS
The home of CELLEPHORMS is the BIOART LAB, a creative space combining microbiology, specimen preparation, and advanced microscopy. Our specimen collection spans non-hazardous microorganisms, plants, and insects, many maintained under specialised culture conditions with tailored growth media and controlled incubation.
To make cellular environments visible to the eye, we introduce molecular markers into our specimens to help highlight particular structures or cell types. These markers act as cellular paintbrushes, revealing biological form through colour, contrast, and texture, creating a vivid visual language within complex biological scenes.
Some specimens are labelled using fluorescent probes, including green fluorescent protein (GFP), first isolated from the jellyfish Aequorea victoria, which emits green fluorescence when excited by specific wavelengths of light. We also work with a wider palette of related fluorescent markers and genetic dyes across multiple colours, allowing different biological features to be distinguished with clarity and precision.
Specimens are prepared for imaging through rigorous, time intensive processes such as chemical fixation, embedding, and sectioning, steps that demand patience, control, and consistency. The resulting compositions are captured using advanced microscopy to preserve fine detail at the highest resolution.
CELLEPHORMS is an evolving practice, continuing to explore the interface of biology, art, and creativity, where living systems become a medium for visual discovery.
COLLABORATION
We exist for curious, thoughtful, and creative people. CELLEPHORMS is continually generating new and exciting bioartworks, and we’re always open to collaboration on bio‑inspired projects. Through our BIOART LAB, we will initiate and take part in exhibitions and projects related to bioart, connecting a wide range of audiences with new ways of thinking, making, and collaborating. We’re always interested in working with fellow pioneers and are delighted to extend our network with like‑minded artists, enterprises and organisations across a wide range of professional fields. The BIOART LAB fuses science, art, and nature and pushes beyond existing boundaries. As the BIOART LAB develops, we will share the creative process through microscopy and science-art workshops for adults, families and young people, and participants could explore natural patterns and create artwork from their microscopic observations.
BESPOKE PROJECTS
FOUNDER
Each CELLEPHORMS piece can be commissioned as a bespoke artwork, tailored to your brief and composed for your space. Simply select the organism, tissue, or cellular world you want to explore, and we’ll capture and transform its microscopic imagery into captivating art. Alternatively, begin with the mood, palette, or setting, and we’ll propose the biology and compose the microscopic imagery into a personalised work.
CELLEPHORMS was founded by Dr Carl Collins, a scientist whose practice sits between cell biology and the engineering of biological systems. With a lifelong commitment to the arts, he works at cellular and molecular scales, transforming living systems into bioartworks across multiple media.
Carl holds a PhD in Molecular Biology from the University of Cambridge (UK) and has conducted research in the UK and USA at institutions including the University of Cambridge, the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, and the University of London. His work has explored the molecular control of cell proliferation and organ formation, with applications spanning cancer biology, therapeutic development, crop improvement and biomaterials engineering. This foundation in molecular biology and high-resolution microscopy informs the CELLEPHORMS approach. He is a Senior Researcher at Goldsmiths, University of London.