Looking back on this class, I now see so many art and science connections. I wanted to take a minute to look at STEM and STEAM. Art and science really do go together. Taking a step back and looking at history, Leonardo da Vinci’s “Vitruvian Man” shows a clear example. The man, drawn in a perfect circle has his arms and legs outstretched—da Vinci was exemplifying the proportions of the body and depicting them visually through art.
During the economic down turn of 2008, art programs in schools started being cut to save money. Science programs on the other hand were not. This goes back to our discussion at the beginning of the semester about the expectations and stereotypes surrounding each profession. Science was judged to be more useful and thus a good investment whereas art programs were seen to use money that schools just did not have anymore. STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) fields were seen as better money-making fields and better/more necessary skills than art.
As I’ve struggled some weeks to depict my science artistically, and other weeks to understand the science depicted in art, I’ve realized that the two are really quite similar. They both require deep understanding and knowledge to fully make sense. Often, they require explanations and both are considered to be done by some sort of expert.
The link below is to a great TED talk by astronaut, dancer, scientist, doctor, and art collector (among many other impressive titles) Mae Jemison. In her talk, Jemison explains and argues for the teaching of art and science together. Check it out!
http://www.ted.com/talks/mae_jemison_on_teaching_arts_and_sciences_together?language=en