The Non-Binary Multiverse: Libby Heaney on Quantum, Magic, and Slime

Ceri interviews quantum artist Libby Heaney, an award-winning British visual artist with a PhD in quantum physics. Libby shares her inspirational journey navigating classism and sexism as a working-class woman in elite academic institutions. She finds solace in art, eventually pursuing it full-time after earning enough money in science. Libby discusses entangling quantum computing with digital art, creating magical, sensual experiences that question reality. A courageous and candid conversation on processing grief after her sister's suicide through vulnerable artworks. Libby reminds us that connection and hope can transcend life's challenges.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Libby was bullied and felt like an outsider as a working-class "gobby clever one" in an elite physics program, finding refuge in art studios after a turbulent home life.
• She persevered in physics to fund her art school dreams but still felt patronised as the only woman in Oxford labs with unprofessional male academics.
• Libby pioneered art interrogating biases in AI systems, including classism, through projects like Lady Chatterley's Tinderbot.
• She creates multi-sensory quantum artworks using code she writes to entangle ideas of fluid identity and the magical realities beneath surface perceptions.
• Processing her grief over her sister's suicide through paintings and VR, Libby vulnerably explores transcendence and hope within devastation.
• Sharing quantum physics concepts with the public, Libby wants to spread the queer, non-binary nature of the microscopic world.
• Despite obstacles, Libby encourages persistence in finding your passion and community, taking care of your whole self.

BEST MOMENTS 

"I'd say, like, keep going, then it will be all right, like, but I think I knew that deep in me as well. I knew what I wanted to do."

"I'm really interested in embodiment and affect and sensation. Cause I think the technical details of quantum are quite hard."

"If you know what you want to do, just keep going”

"I had so many dead ends, which we haven't really spoken about, but that's, to be really clear, I've had so many times things haven't worked out for me, and I've had to go back and try again."

PODCAST HOST BIO

Meet Ceri Hand, the driving force behind countless creative success stories. A creative coach, entrepreneur, and dynamic speaker, she's committed to empowering creatives to realise their dreams and make a meaningful impact through her creative coaching, mentoring and training company. With three decades in the arts under her belt, Ceri has ridden the highs, the lows, and everything in between. Now, she's here to help you achieve your goals, your way.

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