A group of students at FIU are challenging the traditional notion that art and science are separate entities. They believe that these two fields can be interconnected and have started using their love of nature and scientific inquiry to create art in various mediums such as drawings, crafts, and photography. These student researchers are part of the Florida Coastal Everglades Long Term Ecological Research (FCE LTER) program based at FIU’s Institute of Environment.
The program has collected comprehensive, long-term data crucial for understanding the changes in the Everglades over time. While conducting research in the Everglades, the students are often inspired by the beauty of nature, whether it’s the sun shining through trees or the patterns of wildlife they observe. This inspiration has led them to embrace art as a way to express their awe and wonder. For some, it has reignited their passion for artistic pursuits with science in mind.
Paige Kleindl, a Ph.D. candidate in biology, believes that creativity is essential to both science and art. She emphasizes the importance of illustration and visual depiction in understanding science, showing how art can be a powerful tool in scientific exploration. The students believe that by combining their love for science with their artistic skills, they can create something beautiful while also advancing our understanding of the natural world around us.
These students are not just using art as a means to communicate their scientific findings but also as a way to connect with people on an emotional level. Through their artwork, they hope to shed light on the human condition by exploring life’s intangible spaces.
In conclusion, this group of students at FIU is breaking down barriers between science and art by using their creativity to explore life’s intangible spaces and advance our understanding of the natural world around us. Their work shows us how scientific discovery can be both beautiful and powerful when combined with artistic skills.
Their efforts demonstrate that scientists do not always need lab coats or test tubes; sometimes all it takes is a camera or paintbrush to capture the beauty of nature and use it to inspire others towards scientific discovery.
