X-ray Art by a radiologist, Steve Eilenberg

Many of my X-ray art subjects are either from my collection or sourced on eBay. They were selected for general appeal, historical significance, iconography, size, and material. If mostly metal, the objects were “photographed” using digital (direct radiography) X-ray. Otherwise, CT (computerized tomography) was considered. Digital X-ray yields one image per exposure, whereas CT produces as many as 700 images (or slices) at a time, each around.6 millimeters thick. I reassemble these using medical grade 3-D Software.

The smallest subjects were beetles from Indonesia. The largest subject was a Peruvian mummy, bound and preserved in a fetal position, housed at The Museum of Man, recently renamed The Museum of Us in Balboa Park.

Robots were staged to impart a particular feeling or emotion. Subtle changes can imbue menace, prowess, sexuality, humor, or boredom.

When working with direct radiography, I pose the subject and take a shot. With CT, there were infinite possibilities by manipulating a virtual 3-D object on my digital OsiriX workstation after the examination is over.

The black doll series was a forensic evaluation for the International Mingei Museum in Balboa Park. It would take too long to explain but do take a look at a fascinating blog I posted regarding this project: https://wp.me/p4LorY-191. Some years later, my X-ray work was incorporated into a wonderful show at The New York Historical Museum in NYC.

One project that has not been exhibited yet is my firefighter helmet X-ray series. These are basically “combat” helmets protecting what matters most: heroic firefighters and their heads. They are very much purpose-built for the job, but, as per the X-rays, some are more protective than others. The Carnes leather US helmet is what we are most familiar with and does a great job but the French GALLET F1XF helmet is totally Star Wars! I keep the helmet near me in my digital lab for continued inspiration.

Some inspiring artists who came before me: Satre Stuelke , Nick Veasey and David Maisel