Artist-scientist collaborative project

From June 1 – 28, 2012, an exhibit of the newly-created works by the project's artists, and informational displays by the scientists, will be on exhibit at the R. Blitzer Gallery in Santa Cruz, California.

 BACKGROUND The idea for earth • science • art / sixteen collaborative explorations came about one day when I was visiting the R. Blitzer Gallery. In the same renovated industrial building where the gallery is located, on the other side of a shared wall, is the U.S. Geological Survey's Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center. This wall is a compelling symbol of how art and science—and the people involved in both disciplines—often seem to exist in separate worlds. It occurred to me that this was a perfect opportunity to invite artists and scientists to step around, over, or even through that wall to begin a creative dialogue.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION When I approached the USGS and several artists from California’s Central Coast and San Francisco Bay Area, I discovered that there was great interest in working together. In January, 2012, after meeting and being matched with one another, sixteen artist/scientist pairs began their collaborations. In each partnership the scientist's ongoing research provides the artists with starting points to inform and inspire their creative efforts.The artists are being asked not to explain the science but, rather, to use it as a springboard for new work.

THE SHOW In June 2012, an exhibit at the R. Blitzer Gallery in Santa Cruz, California, will feature the newly-created artworks alongside informational displays by the participating scientists. Equal emphasis will be given to both, providing an opportunity for the public to experience and reflect on the different ways that science and art study and represent the world around us. As part of the project, two panel discussions in June will give gallery visitors an opportunity to hear the artists and scientists speak about their collaborations. THE PARTICIPANTS The artists in this project work in a variety of media including painting, video, printmaking, textiles, and 3-D materials. Their approaches include scientific illustration, contemporary abstraction, and time-based conceptual work. To see links to the artists' websites, please visit www.EarthScienceArtSC.com. The scientists in the project are involved in a wide range of research projects including the study of migratory bird patterns; deep water reserves of precious metals; potential effects of natural and anthropogenic hazards; movement of sediment through wind, waves, and currents; and mapping climate change as it impacts human communities and natural environments. Their areas of specialization include geology, biology, geography, geochemistry, and oceanography. To learn more about their research, please visit www.EarthScienceArtSC.com.

By Lisa Hochstein

Source: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1182043396/earth-science-art-si...