Marek Ranis, Missy Eppes, José Gámez
Bringing Art to Your Science and Thus Your Science to the People: Joining Visual Culture and Scientific Evidence
Streaming / Recorded
Endorsed by the Geology & Society Division, Geoscience Education Division, History and Philosophy of Geology Division, and Quaternary Geology & Geomorphology Division
Description: There is a long tradition of merging Art with Science originating from both fields of study, with good reason. The idea that truth can be made visible has a long history directly affecting both disciplines. For example, in the rise of the natural sciences in the nineteenth century vision is understood as a primary avenue to knowledge, and sight takes precedence over the other senses as a primary tool in the analysis and ordering of living things – opening doors to collaborations between artists and scientists even then. Communication in both art and science is dependent on cooperative and collaborative methods in lab-, field-, virtual-, and three-dimensional space and time. Finally, art is perfectly positioned to bring science to the world beyond scientists, filling a crucial need for more effective science communication to the public. Projects merging geoscience, in particular, with art can also serve as an effective link between natural history and human history.
The aim of this event is to provide concrete examples of how combining art with science can serve a need for more effective science communication and to provide practical information about how to go about it. For example, through Broader Impacts in NSF grants, there are opportunities for Earth Scientists to collaborate with artists in research and pedagogy, with the result an enrichment of communication, understanding, and revelation.