Dr. Sara C. Robinson is a professor of wood anatomy at Oregon State University. She is also an artist. Her interests lay in wood aesthetics and the concept of parergonal aesthetics. She states "I like pretty colors and aggressive sports – and I play a lot of roller derby."
Seri works within the field of art science as a bio artist. Unlike many artists who utilize scientific techniques to develop their art, Seri strives to maintain a balance of both fields in her work. She strives to not be ‘just’ an artist or ‘just’ a scientist, but to blur the line between the two disciplines. Neither science nor art can exist without the other, and it is important to communicate that to viewers.
Seri primarily utilizes fungi in her work, often with wood as a medium. Two intertwining processes drive her – a return to natural ornamentation techniques and the promotion of parergonal aesthetics. Wood, as a traditionally functional material, holds a unique place within human emotions. The use of fungi and natural decay processes not only creates ornament (instead of dyes and stains), but challenges perceptions of functionality. Decay fungi are generally disdained, but wood is held in high regard. The meeting of both can create emotional conflict and challenges the viewer to reevaluate their position on functional wood and natural ornamentation processes.