# Microscopic Virus-Like Artwork Jane Masters Uses the Ancient Scratchboard Technique to Create Art By Meghan Young | Published 2013-02-22 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jane-masters References: [beautifuldecay](http://beautifuldecay.com/2013/02/22/jane-masters-intricate-abstractions-made-using-scratchboard/) & [janemasters](http://www.janemasters.com/) Jane Masters employs an ancient art technique in such a way that it looks as though she is depicting modern marvels. Using the scratchboard technique, where drawings are created using sharp knives for etching into a thin layer of white clay that is coated with black ink, Jane Masters creates [ribboned geometric shapes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/illusion-box) that happen to look like viruses being viewed under a microscope. Living and working in Providence, Rhode Island, Jane Masters' [highly detailed abstract artworks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/watch-dial) are so intricate that it is hard not to be entirely captivated by them. Although scratchboarding isn't her only forte, Jane Masters certainly explores a medium that appears to have remained untouched for some time now. Perhaps it will inspire other artists to pick up a knife instead of a brush. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.0/10 - Popularity: 41% | Activity: 42% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Scratchboard Art:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Explore scratchboard art as a unique and captivating medium in the contemporary art world. - **Geometric Abstraction:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Utilize the appealing aesthetic of geometric abstraction to create visually stunning and modern artwork. - **Microscopic Inspirations:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Draw inspiration from microscopic images to create innovative and thought-provoking art pieces. ### Who This Affects Most - **Fine Arts:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Introduce scratchboard art as a new technique within the fine arts industry, attracting a diverse range of artists and enthusiasts. - **Contemporary Art:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Push the boundaries of contemporary art by incorporating geometric abstraction and exploring unconventional mediums like scratchboarding. - **Art Education:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Integrate scratchboard as a unique art technique in art education programs, fostering creativity and encouraging experimentation. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Biology-Inspired Porcelain Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shiyuan-xu.md) - [Art Technique Activities](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/multiactivities-scratch-art.md) - [Glass Beaded Intricate Artworks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/painting-exhibition.md) - [Vibrantly Colorful Dynamic Artwork](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kayla-rumpp.md) - [Paper-Made Mosaic Artwork](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/real-life-architecture-exhibition.md) - [Digital Archetype Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/christian-rex-van-minnen-1.md) - [Modern Poertic Ceramics](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/virginia-sin.md) - [Stunning Origami Portraits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/origami-portaits.md) - [Collaborative Sculptural Art Sets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/neojomon-biomorphic-fantme.md)