Karl Gaff
Trained in physics, imaging and microscopy, Karl Gaff is a scientific photographic artist from Dublin. Through experimentation he creates mesmerising photographs under the microscope. A fusion of science and art, his work explores the mysterious and beautiful world of crystallized chemicals that are for the most part hidden from view in our daily lives. He has gained international recognition for his microscopy art, winning 30+ awards to date and has had his photographic artworks featured in numerous museums around the world including the Louisiana Art & Science Museum, the Manchester Museum of Science & Industry, the London Science Museum and the Images from Science 3 travelling exhibition hosted by RIT. His works have been featured on the covers of numerous academic publications, and in popular science books and magazines including BBC Focus.
Like most people, his interest in science began at a young age. He received his first microscope as a Christmas present at the age of 7. His vivid memory of collecting pond samples in jam jars from a wildlife pond and later peering for the first time into a small drop of that water was an epiphanic experience. Overwhelmed at how incredible it was that an unremarkable drop of water turned out to be quite the opposite of unremarkable. A single drop of water buzzing with activity. Energetic microscopic life forms built like tiny machines swimming about, hunting and feeding and doing their thing, totally unaware that they were being watched by us. Mesmerized, this experience led Karl on a trajectory towards a career path in science of lifelong learning and exploration of the natural world. After finishing school, Karl took a science degree at university, majoring in physics at DIT, Kevin St., (now called TU Dublin). The microscope sparked an excitement, a curiosity and a passion for science (physics, chemistry, biology and mathematics). His special interest in physics derives from its intention to explain the workings of everything and thus providing the foundations for chemistry and in turn, biology using the tools of mathematics. After finishing a BSc in Physics he undertook a master degree (MSc) in Imaging and Microscopy at UCD, a 1 year stint working as a microscopist, and for the past 8 years as a laboratory technician (technical officer) at TU Dublin in the School of Physics, Clinical & Optometric Sciences. There, he manages and maintains the advanced lab in experimental physics for final year students.