FORUM FOR SCIENCE AND ART
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The Year in Review - 2001
Summer is in full bloom as this spring newsletter goes to press. It has been a year worth reflection and review. It might well be remembered for our developing
relationship with The National Center for Genome Resources.
It all began when Bill Maxon was asked to give a
talk at the opening of the student sculpture show on his
work in relation to chaos. It was at this event that NCGR offered
to host some of our meetings beginning with our last forum
meeting of the season in June. We presented slides of our members creative
work and one of their scientists, Jeff
Blanchard gave a talk on the human genome and their
work at the center. It was a stimulating, interactive exchange,
which set the tone for the coming year. Our thanks to Ann
Rafferty for facilitating our joint events throughout
the year.
Our first fall meeting in October was held
at NCGR. Jean Constant presented a fascinating glimpse
of his research in "Pattern Recognition with
beautiful, digitally executed, paired designs for our visual
delight and analytical comparison. It was a very professional
presentation and a creative synthesis of science and art.
November found a crowd of us at Sky Davids
animation, science/ art studio where we were given the
grand tour of his gallery and science laboratory, followed
by a presentation of the scope and focus of his past and
current work. There are no labels that would do Sky justice
but microbiology, animation, invention, entrepreneur, artist
might give you a few clues.
In December we were back in Susan's
studio for an evening of sharing past and present works
in progress. Various members displayed their art and craft
work on the big table and told us about their processes
and investigations. This kind of shared exchange is both
inspiring and supportive and best of all we get to know
each other a little better.
January's topic for discussion was "The
Creative Process". Susan kicked things off with her
theory of creativity and brain organization, which gave
everyone something to challenge. It was lively and stimulating
and we didn't get the issue settled at all. To be continued!
We returned to NCGR in February for Richard
Kramer's wonderful presentation on "Symmetry
and The Geometry of Escher". His official title
included a reference to wallpaper as well but the exact
sequence eludes me at this time. Sorry Richard. It was
extremely well received and I am sure inspired others
to rethink their concepts of symmetry.
Those of you who were not able to be with
us in March missed Annalie Ketteler's presentation
of her amazing "earth" works, created from sands
of great deserts around the world. She devised a way to
seal the top layer in a skin of sand that faithfully documents
the winds vibration patterns. (Interference patterns).
For a time these stunning works graced the walls of the
studio. She has returned to Germany for the time being.
Those who fell into her vibrant energy field await her
return.
Sooner or later we knew that Science would
come to the art studio. And so it happened in April when Jeff
Blanchard, biologist from the National Center for Genome
Resources presented a talk on genetics to a large gathering
in Susan's studio. Jeff's enthusiasm and depth of knowledge
reached everyone at their different levels of understanding.
He stated that in his view the scientist needed the artist
to help in creating the imagery needed to communicate the
abstract concepts that they work with. There is much to
explore at the interface of science and art. Have we really
begun? What is the next step toward greater integration?
For our May meeting the call went out for
members to share works in process through slides or actual
works on art. Michael, Rafaela, Bruce, Terry and Jon all
stepped forward to help create an inspiring exchange of
images and ideas. The sharing and dialogue continued at
our June meeting when we had a chance to reflect on the
past year and make plans for the one coming up. Richard
Kramer plans to have his research into "knots
and mathematics "ready to present in the fall. Bruce
Papier will give us in depths look at his research
with "Sound Images". Jean mentioned that he has
been playing with ideas inspired by Richard's symmetry
talk. There are suggestions for hands on creative activities
as well. I will be another great year! The last event was a party in the studio
where we feasted on delectable, good music and projected
images of light. A good time was had by all as they say
or used to say! A happy creative summer to each and every
one of you!
- Susan Latham
- Santa Fe, 6-2001
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December 2001
We will be celebrating our 5Th anniversary
at our next meeting, which will be Dec. 12TH, 7 PM at Sky
David's studio.
It will be a night of "WORKS
IN PROCESS". If you have the seed of an exciting idea
or you are well into the project, remember that we are
resources for each other; for information, support and
collaboration. At our last meeting of Nov.12 at NCGR, Richard
Kramer's' talk on knots was beautifully presented.
The math was balanced with many good visuals and hands
on fun-time creating knots. We did appreciate the time
and thought behind it.
November 2001
Our next meeting will be Monday
Nov. 12th at NCGR. Richard
Kramer will share the results of his investigation
on Knots: theory and inspiration for 3D art. I am sure
it will be an excellent presentation. It will be at 7pm
as usual Please make every effort to be there and start
the year well with NCGR.
Also a reminder that Hillary
Rigs' opening of her new show The Art of
Hilary Riggs" is Friday Nov. 2nd, 5-7pm. at the Quimera
Gallery on Marcy St across from the Cathedral Garden.
The exhibit will go on until Nov. 30 |