Julian R. Silverman

Julian is a chemist, educator, and science communicator whose work bridges the arts and sciences. Focusing on sustainable materials made from waste resources, he transforms organic molecules and recovered scrap metals into the paints, pigments, and inks we use to express our understanding of the natural world. In addition to designing and evaluating functional soft materials, he shares his work through live public science demonstrations that link the history of materials to our everyday routines and rituals. He has taught at primary and secondary schools, as well as colleges and universities. When he’s not dyeing clothes in his bathtub at home, you might find him catching leaves for tannins in Central Park. His collaborations with artists and educators bring sustainable principles to life in both research and practice.

Julian is a 2025 Book Art Research Fellow.