Earthquake painting in the studio · 0:52 A close-up view of the 7 × 7 foot oil painting and its surface. NFC chips beneath the paint connect the depicted scenes to their news stories.
NFC in use · 0:13
Exhibition walkthrough · 1:55
Erin McGee Ferrell · Selected projects
Art & Technology
These projects use embedded media, responsive materials, and digital tools to connect painting on canvas with sound and video. Technology beneath the painted surface allows viewers to interact with the work through their smartphones.
Insect Hotels
Teaching with emerging tools · 2023
Artificial Intelligence: Teaching & Speaking
I taught students at the University of New England to develop an idea with AI images, then work with drawing and painting materials.
- May–June 2023: Symposium speaker on artificial intelligence in the classroom, University of New England.
- 2024: U.S. Speaker Program in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, including a speaking engagement at Effat University and discussion of AI and art.
- November 30, 2023: UNE feature on my AI teaching.
Read “Art professor Erin McGee Ferrell isn’t afraid of AI — yet”
Interactive Earthquake Art
Explore paintings, the NBC feature and earthquake coverage →
Beyond the painted surface
NFC & Embedded Technology
I embed Near Field Communication (NFC) chips in paintings to link the physical work to sound and video. In works such as Dog and Camel, this connection extends the experience beyond the painted surface.
Workshops & artist talks
- October 8, 2022: Technology Embedded Art, artist workshop and talk at The Cliff House Resort, Ogunquit, Maine.
- October 2022: The Ultimate Letter, an embedded-technology artist workshop at The Cliff House Resort.
- July 2023: Workshop on thermochromic pigments and embedding technology into painting, Maine.
Art, media, and systems biology
The C Word & Cancer Systems Biology
The C Word: Artists, Scientists, and Patients Respond to Cancer brings together cancer research and personal experiences of diagnosis and treatment. Contributions include Cancer Rollercoaster and Pirate Crew Paper Dolls. The paper dolls offer a visual way for newly diagnosed patients to learn about mastectomy.
Cancer Rollercoaster
This painting traces five months of chemotherapy. More than 40 NFC tags embedded in the physical work link to poetry, videos, interviews, and other cancer-related art.
CA6: Removing Stigma Through Art
CA6 brings artists and physicians together to make cancer easier to discuss. The collaboration connects artwork and patient experience with medical perspectives, with a focus on communities in the Gulf. Its poster for EIOC 2025 and presentation at OGSC 2026 explore how art can open conversations and address stigma.
Research residencies and related presentations
- 2020: Guest on The C-Word podcast, Arizona State University’s Cancer Systems Biology Consortium center.
- April 2023: Cancer evolution and systems artist residency, Arizona State University, with art and science presentations to researchers.
- December 11–15, 2023: Cancer Systems Biology Consortium artist residency, Columbia University, New York City.
- June 2024: Artist project for Columbia University’s Cancer Systems Biology Building.
Painting and responsive materials
Formula One Bahrain & Responsive Painting
I use thermochromic pigments to make paintings that change color with temperature.
Explore the Bahrain project · Thermochromic color exploration