Art and Biology Explore Nature: Two Approaches to the Same Message

Biologists and artists have much in common, but rarely collaborate. These two groups historically have been separated by choice and by culture, and often lack an exchange of ideas and techniques that could be quite helpful to both fields’ goals. Systematic ecological surveys and artistic explorations of the natural world both depend on the same curiosity. Art and science are increasingly joining forces, more now than in the past because of their shared creativity and the critical importance of conveying accurate messages to the public about the natural world. I hope to discover how art and science can inform one another and combine to catalyze a public and political movement for coral reef conservation.

Current Exhibition – ‘Our Changing Seas’ at the AAAS Gallery

This large-scale ceramic coral reef wall installation, titled ‘Our Changing Seas: A Coral Reef Story,’ is based on my interdisciplinary study of how art can inspire marine conservation. As my master’s thesis in environmental studies at Brown University with coursework at the Rhode Island School of Design, this project combines marine conservation science and policy, fine art, and social sciences. I interviewed artists, marine researchers, and other marine professionals regarding their thoughts on how art might promote coral reef stewardship and policy change, and used the prominent concepts that arose from my interviews – particularly those regarding human interactions with reefs – to inform the design of my installation. The piece symbolizes these experts’ voices uniting to emphasize the critical importance of coral reef conservation to policy makers and the public.

I am pleased to announce that 'Our Changing Seas' is currently on display at the AAAS Gallery in Washington, DC. The American Association for the Advancement of Science - or AAAS - is an international non-profit organization dedicated to serving society through the advancement of science. Publisher of the journal Science, AAAS’s activities range from efforts to enhance communication between scientists and the public and ensure that policymakers have access to the best information as they make decisions about science-based issues to programs that aim to strengthen and diversify the science and technology workforce, foster education in science and technology for everyone, and advance international cooperation. The exhibits in their public gallery on the first floor of their headquarters at 12th and H Streets, NW focus on communicating science through visual arts. The AAAS Gallery is open Monday through Friday from 9 am until 5 pm.

If you're in the area, drop in to check it out!

1. Special thanks to:
   

2. •Brown University: Center for Environmental Studies; Humanities Research Funds; and Creative Arts Council | sponsors
   

3. •Rhode Island School of Design: Ceramics Department | production host
   

4. •National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration & U.S. Department of Commerce | venue hosts
   

5. •American Association for the Advancement of Science | venue host
   

6. •SeaWeb; National Aquarium; Brown University Environmental Change Initiative | debut reception sponsors

I am proud to donate a portion of the proceeds from the sale of my artwork to the Reef Check Foundation, an international non-profit organization that works to preserve and raise awareness about the plight of coral reefs. With headquarters in California and trained volunteers in over eighty countries, Reef Check is conducting groundbreaking research on coral reef health and is actively educating the public about what we can do to revive and protect reefs worldwide.

Visit Reef Check’s Artists for Reefs Gallery here!