Making Art From Genetic Code

DNA may help solve crimes, but now the building blocks of life can also hang, framed, on the wall. With a simple swab from inside the cheek, companies can create abstract portraits of the genetic code. The U.S. founder of this concept, Darrin Grandmason, came up with the idea after taking an advanced microbiology course. His company, DNA-Artistry, specializes in genetic blueprints of the family pet (from $259; dnaartistry.com). Canadian-based DNA 11's signature piece is a gicl?e fine print on colored canvas (from $390; dna11.com). DNA Art Forms makes custom contemporary works using paint with metal, glass or wood ($2,000; dna-art.com). Because 99.9 percent of human genes are identical, DNA Art UK works with the 0.1 percent that are different, specializing in family portraits. It can also etch DNA code in a block of crystal. Local home deliveries are available ($350 to $1,500; dna-artuk .com).