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Health Humanities

Applying the knowledge and methodologies of the humanities, social sciences, and arts to the practice of medicine.

Judith R. Peterson, Artist-in-Residence, 2025-2026

 

The University Libraries is proud to welcome Judith R. Peterson, MD, MPH as our 2025-2026 Artist-in-Residence. Peterson is an area artist as well as a practicing physician. Her art primarily focuses around ink painting and illustration as well as photography. Additionally, she is an Origami Instructor with a certification from the Nippon Origami Association in Tokyo. Her work for this project will meld these interests while engaging with medical and health sciences students as well as the general public. More information about her work can be found at her website.

Of her work, she writes: “We say and hope that the language of peace is universal. Origami is unique in that the language of origami instruction is entirely symbolic, using arrows, dashes, dotted lines etc to guide folding sequences. No knowledge of English, or any other language in fact, is required to read origami instructions and to fold models. This has always been profound for me to think about, that we can all speak the same language of peace and healing.”

Peterson will be the second Resident Artist and her work is expected to be installed in the Nettleman Classroom early in the Spring 2026 semester, with events to follow in the months after installation.

Amy Fill, Inaugural Artist-in-Residence, 2024-2025

 

Exquisite Cloud: Murmur(ation)

This work connects with the history of the Surrealist's drawing game, Exquisite Corpse, a collaborative, improvisational, playful approach to creative exploration and flow. Creating "collective sessions" allows freedom from the constraints of expectation, using the body as the metaphor.
This work uses the cloud as a metaphor for observation and participation without judgment. The practice of observing "passing thoughts" and reinforcing the universal truth of the impermanence within beauty and nature and the interconnectedness of life and death. 
The sky represents vastness and freedom from external constraints, a space for reflection and ongoing change and movement. Observation through a lens of non-judgment welcomes the connection between all beings on earth and the energy of the universe. 
Unity, cooperation, and mindful awareness, reflect the strength and safety within group harmony. "Generally, the basic goals of kindness revolve around protecting and helping and being nice." (Jerome W. Freeman, 2014) Similarly, the murmuration of a cloud of birds follows three rules: (1) move to the center, (2) follow your neighbor, and (3) don't collide. There is no one leader. Each bird is empowered to respond independently, with careful consideration of itself and others.
Amy Fill
Rural Cloud Museum
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