KU Medical Center
“And then I was … Breathless” and “Beating Brass”
The artist’s name- Aaron Higginbotham, MD Candidate, Class of 2027
The title of the work- “And then I was … Breathless” and “Beating Brass”
The medium of the work – brass
The size of the work- 6.5” x6.54”
During college, I crafted a pair of lungs and a heart from brass sheet metal, projects born out of my deep fascination with human anatomy and physiology. These pieces capture the intricate, essential nature of the human body, symbolizing both its vitality and fragility. The anatomical lungs are particularly meaningful to me because it reflects my personal experience with recurrent spontaneous pneumothoraces. The process of crafting it became a way for me to explore the reciprocal nature of healing—how being a patient can shape you as a caregiver, and how those experiences can influence the art you create.
Metal smithing, much like caregiving, demands precision, patience, and a certain emotional investment. Each hammer strike became a reminder of the resilience I’ve witnessed in healthcare providers and the dedication they bring to their work. These formed pieces of metal represent that same kind of careful, deliberate effort—mirroring the relationship between the art of healing and the craft of metalwork.
I hope to convey the profound connection between art and medicine, and the shared humanity, skill, and compassion that bind them together. The brass heart and lungs are a tribute to both those who heal and those who are healed.
“And then I was … Breathless” and “Beating Brass”
The artist’s name- Aaron Higginbotham, MD Candidate, Class of 2027
The title of the work- “And then I was … Breathless” and “Beating Brass”
The medium of the work – brass
The size of the work- 6.5” x6.54”
During college, I crafted a pair of lungs and a heart from brass sheet metal, projects born out of my deep fascination with human anatomy and physiology. These pieces capture the intricate, essential nature of the human body, symbolizing both its vitality and fragility. The anatomical lungs are particularly meaningful to me because it reflects my personal experience with recurrent spontaneous pneumothoraces. The process of crafting it became a way for me to explore the reciprocal nature of healing—how being a patient can shape you as a caregiver, and how those experiences can influence the art you create.
Metal smithing, much like caregiving, demands precision, patience, and a certain emotional investment. Each hammer strike became a reminder of the resilience I’ve witnessed in healthcare providers and the dedication they bring to their work. These formed pieces of metal represent that same kind of careful, deliberate effort—mirroring the relationship between the art of healing and the craft of metalwork.
I hope to convey the profound connection between art and medicine, and the shared humanity, skill, and compassion that bind them together. The brass heart and lungs are a tribute to both those who heal and those who are healed.