Traditionally, the term "art" referred to any skill or mastery. This conception changed during the Romantic period (18th century Western Europe), when art came to be seen as a special faculty of the human mind, to be classified with religion and science.

Art is simply made with the intention of stimulating thoughts and emotions. ~Wikipedia
                                                                                                                    
Art has evolved over the centuries, transformed lives and has roots in almost every aspect of our existence. Today, we can take the skull of our ancestors and bring them back to life. The skilled hands of an artist can put a face to the people from generations before and help answer our questions about who we are.

The term "forensic" comes from the Roman forum where law and politics were debated. It is from this beginning that the word forensic now means anything pertaining to legal proceedings, law enforcement or debate.
                                                                                                                                          
It is not surprising that art can also be used forensically with amazIng results.

Art continues to expand within the world of forensics, where it is now regarded as an essential law enforcement resource for finding criminals and identifying the unknown. The finished product can be a composite sketch of a suspect being sought or a detailed facial reconstruction sculpture of a person who has no name.
 
Art and Forensics is a mastery all its own... and I am proud to be an expert in this field.

                                                                             ~ Barbara Anderson, Artist ~
                                                                            

Using Fingerprint Powder To Record Friction Ridge Details From A Cadaver



   Written by K. Modeste and B. Anderson
   Forensic Investigation Unit
   Sacramento Police Department

   Article published in the "Journal of Forensic Identification"
   Volume 59 (3) May/June 2009

  

Click on the title to view the article

View my latest age-progression sketch. The case is profiled on "America's Most Wanted":

http://www.amw.com/fugitives/case.cfm?id=69513

 




   The Believer Magazine is a monthly magazine with a focus on 
   writers and books. Interesting reviews and illustrations that have no
   boundaries. Very refreshing, if you ask my opinion... pick up an issue
   sometime and see for yourself.

   I did several illustrations for their December 2009 Art issue. Click on
   the following link to view the article written by Joshua Cohen entitled
   "Forensic Sketches of Eight Literary Criminals"
 

 
   Elvis Presley is considered to be the "King of Rock n Roll". Had he
   lived, he would have been 75 years old on Jan 8th, 2010. When I
   was asked by the Sacramento Bee Newspaper  to create an
   age-progression sketch on what Elvis may have looked like today, 
   I was delighted. I have always been a fan!

   Click on "Forever Elvis" to view the article written by Carla Meyer.


   Here is a good website to learn more about Elvis Presley:
   http://www.elvis.com/   

FACIAL RECONSTRUCTIONS ON UNIDENTIFIED HUMAN REMAINS:

We need YOUR help in finding out who they were.
Please take a moment to read the case

The body of a woman was discovered near the town of Isleton, CA  
March 2008

Facial reconstruction done in 2008 
click here for details
 

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The body of a man was discovered near Sheldon Rd in Sacramento, CA
September 1989

Facial reconstruction done in 2009
click here for details