Something New? Fusion of Art and Science Show

Fusion of Art and Science Show

Originally published By Lisa Renner in University of California, Santa Cruz student newspaper.February, 2019.

A collaboration  of Art and Physics

First of all,what happens when artists visit science labs and hear scientists explain their work? Find out by attending the exhibition The Fusion of Art and Physics on view in March,2019. R. Blitzer Gallery,2801 Mission St.Santa  Cruz,CA Originally,UC Santa Cruz physicist Stephanie Bailey conceived of the show to feature works created by 17 pairs of artists and physics graduate students. Last fall, Bailey organized another science-art collaboration with the show Motors Surround Us. That show had  pieces of art created from  simple electric motors made by introductory physics students. https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2018/07/why-art-and-science/

Meet Two Collaborators

In the beginning, Dr. Bailey linked Bryson Bost,an artist, and Johnny Davenport, the physics doctoral student  together. First,the young scientist showed Bost the instruments he uses to explore really thin crystals at the lab. Then, he also showed him how it is possible to see what the crystals look like on an atomic scale. Finally,Bryson Bost,a 36-year-old artist, creates intricate patterns using acrylics and pigment inks “You could actually see the spaces in between atoms,” said Bost. “It was like I can’t believe I’m seeing a pocket dimension. It’s almost science fiction.”

A Whole  New World

In addition,Bost felt honored to get a chance to see a world that he has no experience with. Moreover, Davenport’s explanation of his work was enthralling. “It’s so advanced you feel like you’re talking to a messenger of some god,” Bost said. For example,“You feel like you’re getting in touch with some strange divine formula for the fusion of art and science show.

No Jargon allowed

For his part, Davenport said he enjoyed the opportunity to translate his ideas into ordinary language. Aboveall, he avoided  technical jargon. Similarly,Davenport thinks scientists spend too much time in their own world. “A lot of times we fall back on technical language to be able to communicate complicated concepts,” he said. “The hardest thing to do is to distill it down to something presentable to a different medium or a different audience. But science isn’t just intended to benefit scientists.” The move for scientists to communicate with the general public is extremely necessary in these times.

Creating Began

After that first dialogue, Bost went back to his studio. First, he began working on the creation for the show. The atomic-level images he saw inspired his art.After that, he created a piece filled with intricate patterns.  Furthermore,his materials included  acrylics and pigment ink. In all, he spent about 40 hours. What happens when artists visit science labs and hear scientists explain their work? Find out by attending the exhibition The Fusion of Art and Physics on view in March,2019. R. Blitzer Gallery,2801 Mission St.Santa  Cruz,CA.UC. Santa Cruz physicist Dr. Stephanie Bailey conceived of the show to feature works created by 20 pairs of artists and physics graduate students. Last fall, Bailey organized another science-art collaboration with the show Motors Surround Us. This show had  pieces of art created from  simple electric motors made by introductory physics students.

Video of the Show

Video of Fusion Show at R. Blitzer Gallery (partial) Highlighting the  Collaboration of Art and Physics at R. Blitzer Gallery, Santa Cruz,CA March, 2019. Music by Robert Blitzer observed by Charles Sutten, artist.

The Collaboration

Meanwhile,the collaboration between local artists and Ph’d Physics candidates at the University of California,Santa Cruz is  over. Yet, I learned that there is a wide range of study within the field of physics. Above all,some scientists are studying theorical physics using a chalkboard, chalk and a computer. However,others are doing a variety of experiments in labs.

Dr. Bailey’s Brainchild

Firstly Dr.Bailey, a non artist , organized an art show, Fusion .In addition,it is part of a mission to bring the concepts of physics to a wider public. Certainly,“Art is a much more friendly and inviting way to attract people than physics,” she says. To clarify,Dr. Bailey worked with  mosaic artist, Beth Purcell to organize the show.  Above all,the artwork is more than a few pieces of beautiful art. Moreover,they can be considered extraordinary teaching tools. In other words something  a professor can bring into the classroom to convey an important concept in physics.

Tauna Coulson is the curator

Similarly,the artists involved also exhibited a wide range of study; painting,glass, fiber, and multimedia. Tauna Coulson, is the curator of the show  is working hard to make sure everything comes together.http://coulsondesign.com/author/tauna-coulson/ In conclusion,at the end of the 2019 school year, Dr. Bailey moved to Chapman College in Orange County, California. Their gain UCSC’s  and the Santa Cruz community’s loss.

Something New? Fusion of Art and Science Show

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