Scale Free Network Information

Since 2007, SFN has developed its highly-interdisciplinary methodology through an ongoing series of Microscope-Drawing workshops, participatory art-labs and interactive exhibitions, inspired by the microscopic world and developed in collaboration with artist and educator Jacqueline Smith. In 2013, Scale Free Network became a co-creator and publisher of books. Directed by Gregory and Briony, and developed in collaboration with writer Ailsa Wild, visual ecologist Aviva Reed, and scientists (Professor Linda Blackall and a very long list of others), the award winning Small Friends Books series explores the microscopic world and communicates complex science through narrative and illustration. In 2016, SFN expanded this work by beginning a new series of graphic novels for older readers (drawn by artist Ben Hutchings). The theme of 'visualising the invisible' connects all aspects of SFN's practice. The role of collaboration as a framework through which new kinds of experimentation emerge is fundamental to SFN's process. The paradigm of cooperation in nature, especially involving micro-organisms (microbial symbiosis), is a central investigation within both their storybook and graphic novel series. Broadly, SFN has presented their work in science and art institutions as well as schools, markets and conferences throughout Melbourne and Victoria (National Gallery of Victoria, Art Gallery of Ballarat, ArtPlay, Counihan Gallery, Regional Arts Victoria), nationally (Royal Institution of Australia, The World Science Festival, Come Out Festival) and internationally (Museum of Modern & Contemporary Art in Korea, The Environmental Health Clinic at New York University). Their interdiscplinary practice has been supported by City of Melbourne, National Science Week, ANZAC Centenary Fund, Australia Council for the Arts, Creative Victoria, Arts Queensland, Creative Partnerships Australia, The Australian Society for Microbiology and three hugely successful crowdfunding campaigns. The first two Small Friends Books -The Squid, the ...