May 18 2008
Intersection of Art & Science
I am always fascinated by stories that tell of people operating at the junction of two different fields of thought, particularly those of the fields of art and science. Somehow, we have a notion that the thinking of artists and scientists is completely different, rarely if ever overlapping. I love stories that demonstrate the falsity of this notion.
For example, on NPR recently I enjoyed the story of Brian May, rock musician and astrophysicist. Dr. May was a physics student when the band he played in “Queen” became a smash hit and his studies were interrupted. He recently completed his Ph.D. in astrophysics after being away from school for 30 years. He epitomizes what I am talking about. Scientists can and many do have an appreciation for the arts.
I was watching CBS news this morning which showed a story of ant biologist Walter Tschinkel. Dr. Tschinkel makes molds of ant colonies by pouring plaster or liquid aluminum down ant hills. After the liquid hardens, he unearths some of the natural world’s most beautiful sculptures. Tschinkel appreciates the beauty of the ant colonies, suggesting that there is more art in science and nature than people realize.
I want my students to see these connections and to realize that working on one of these fields does not mean excluding out work in the other. Stories like these help to reinforce my point.
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I must say, We are a piece of Art and we are a piece of science, get it