While hearing Bevil Conway’s thoughts on interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary careers and interests I was slightly disheartened. I was expecting to hear about someone who is happily working in the field of science and art and completely integrating the two together, making it work as a scientist and artist. But I quickly realized I had been thinking slightly more idealistically than I should have. I’ve always tried to pursue my interest in science and art simultaneously, taking AP Chem and Bio as well as Studio Art. And I’ve continued to take both types of classes so far at Wellesley. But hearing what Bevil had to say about having a real “home” lead me to realize my “home” is much more based in the arts than sciences. I’m not sure what this means for my career prospects but I’m hoping it can help me better form my views for what I may want to do after Wellesley.
Even though I love learning about chemistry and learning why the world works the way it does, I am much more inclined to spend my nights painting in the studio than in the lab. I’ve spent much more time around artists than scientists, either installing shows on the weekends or prepping a gallery for a visiting artist. I had always thought of myself as someone who is equally involved with science and art and hadn’t even thought about having a true “home” in terms of an interest. Although the stigma of being a “starving artist” is always brought up I want to study art and be a part of the art world. But I also hope to incorporate my interests in science in some way, while still staying as part of the “art world” and not being a stranger in the “science world”.
I talked to my painting professor this semester, Bunny Harvey, about how her past work was influenced by physics and science. She was trained as a painter and was heavily involved in the art world, as she still is. But for years all she read were particle physics books trying to learn as much as possible and incorporating what she could in her painting. She is an example of being part of the “art home”. While Bevil works as a science professor and does art on the side as part of the “science home”. I struggle with which I would rather be part of. The factors of money, flexibility, practicality, and esteem all come into play and it is something I think about often, as my entire future depends on what I decided to do with my life.