Welcome to the LAByrinth website - home to AMULA DNA Jewellery and HOST - for your living things.
The invention of the telescope and microscope revolutionized the way we see the World.
Phenomena previously invisible to the naked-eye, could now be observed and recognized—
forever changing our visible landscape.
LAByrinth is conceptually based upon the invisible, as it relates to the evolution of technology assisted seeing and biotechnology.
LAByrinth exists to offer a moment of reflection upon how technology has enabled us to discover the worlds
beyond the boundaries of Earth
and within that of the tiniest components of Life on Earth.
We specialize in hand-crafted, high end, limited editions.
LAByrinth invites you to WEAR THE WONDERS OF THE INVISIBLE WORLD; to reconsider the significance of the things you can
and cannot see for whatever reasons - size, concentration, perspective, time, biological limitation.
* In this section - EXPLORE - you'll
find more information on the concept and product lines
* If you'd like to SHOP, please have a look at the AMULA
and HOST sections
* To order, simply get in touch directly: info@LAB-yrinth.net
* Full LAByrinth online experience coming SPRING 2012
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you to our private mailing list
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* Thank-you for visiting...
LAByrinth is a communications studio and life science inspired brand featuring a range of design items - there are 2 product lines:
‘AMULA DNA Jewellery' is a line of personalized 21st century lockets containing DNA of the person, plant or animal of your choice suspended in a glass vial. You can also choose from our ‘map the future' series featuring the encapsulated DNA of specially selected plants and animals (preselected based on their symbolic richness or as a result of their status as endangered creatures).
Each 'map the future' item is accompanied by a booklet containing facts, figures and information on the current state of their survival (* a percentage of profits go towards conservation and awareness programs for the featured plant or animal).
All Personalized DNA Necklaces are handled on a case-by-case basis and DNA collection from people is quick and easy, as it is taken with a small brush (called a buccal swab) from the inside of the mouth (no visit to the doctor is necessary and processing times vary depending on your request).
Please contact us for all pet and plant DNA processing - we also take special requests for specific plants or animals).
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Jewellery is significant for many reasons and has been made of various materials: precious metals/stones, bones/hair from people/animals – all believed to bring one closer to something or someone.
The value of each piece arising from the reputation of it's artist, mythology of it's journey, lineage of owners – jewellery is a talisman, worn to declare one's identity, belief, or perhaps traded – but ultimately worn as a reminder or meditation of an idea or person.
DNA contains the instructions that create all living things – but the Spirit is created by the interaction between all Life.
The evolution of all Life is written within DNA. DNA is often referred to as the essence or tree of life for it refers to the mapping of the evolutionary process by which all living things evolved from a common ancestor. Every branch representing a species, every fork separating one species from another represents the common ancestor that pair of species shared.
Ultimately, all Life is interconnected. Even though there may be millions or even billions of years of evolution separating any two species.
AMULA DNA Jewellery is based on the sentiments of the traditional locket, but cast from the predictions and claims of DNA research and exploration.
‘HOST - for your living things' is a collection of original graphics and forms (bags, accessories, clothing) created from and/or inspired by images taken with advanced imaging technologies that have enabled us to witness microscopic worlds normally invisible to the naked-eye.
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HOST refers to an organism/cell in or on which another lives/feeds - and thus, a symbiotic, co-dependant relationship that assists one/both to survive.
There are many types of intimate relationships between organisms that are characterized by co-dependence for survival. ‘Symbiosis' describes the various degrees of intimate relationships between organisms, which include:
- ectosymbiosis, an organism living on another
- ectosymbiosis, inside another, or
- obligate symbiosis, only necessary to the survival of at least one partner
LAByrinth: designer biography: ELAINE YOUNG
Elaine Young explores the spirit of invention as it relates to needs, wants, utility and the concept of ‘better living' through the establishment of LAByrinth; a communications studio and life science inspired brand whose product ranges include AMULA DNA Jewellery (containing your choice of person, plant or animal DNA) and ‘HOST – for your living things' – a line of graphics, clothing and objects made from and/or inspired by microscopic images.
Through content included with each item or found on the website, LAByrinth dedicates itself to the discussion of general questions concerning the contrasts between theories and realities of the spirit of invention, technology, its applications and effects. Of particular concern, are issues relating to biotechnology and people's feelings towards technology made from and/or applied to inanimate versus animate objects/life forms. LAByrinth's mission is to utilize fashion as a vehicle for initiating science education initiatives.
LAByrinth utilizes the concept of the invisible, DNA, microscopic images and visual culture/technologies to craft the brand's metaphor and reminder to reconsider the significance of the things you can and cannot see for whatever reasons (ie: size, concentration, perspective, time, biological limitation).
"The first images of war, a fetus, a cell and the Earth from outer space had a significant impact on how we relate to the World, each other and ourselves; their magnificence diluted over time and by the excesses of visual culture. But, this is not a new observation nor should we lament or feel nostalgic for a time when there was less pressure to be critically visually literate. Instead, let us investigate and create new ways to navigate this saturated landscape. After all, we shape the things we build - thereafter, they shape us. LAByrinth invites you to reconsider what it means to create with responsibility."
* contact Elaine directly at elaine@LAB-yrinth.net