Science and art are linked in diverse and interesting ways that are often overlooked. Although these fields are usually treated as separate and unrelated, current thought recognizes the interconnectedness of these disciplines (i.e., Sci-art, STEAM = Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Mathematics). Visual art has been used for centuries to understand the natural world and the interconnectedness of organisms and environments. Creativity is arguably one of the most important traits of successful scientists and we argue that scientific and artistic creativity feed into one another in very positive ways. Art informs science and science informs art.

The broad goals of our workshop are to make ATBC participants more aware of the beneficial connections between science and art and to teach participants basic art-related skills, techniques, and practices they can adapt to inform their scientific studies (and vice versa). We will offer up a “sampler plate” of different perspectives for integrating art and tropical ecology. We propose to offer brief background information and then focus on nature and field journaling.

Through this workshop, we aim to teach other budding scientist-artists to harness their inherent creativity to inform their work and improve communication among tropical scientists, non-scientists, and conservation- focused institutions, aligning very well with the mission of ATBC. Moreover, sketching significantly improves our capacity to observe, understand and analyze the natural world. We will train participants to use diverse techniques that they can apply to their time at this conference and beyond.

Preliminary Agenda

· History: We will give a brief overview of the history of the role of drawing, sketching, and illustration in early and present exploration and communication.

· Materials: Next we will talk a little about different art supplies, materials, and bring some for people to experiment with.

· The Fun Part: Doing some art! We will bring in materials for people to draw, but also encourage participants to go outside and explore the beautiful Kumaraguru Campus and its plants, animals, and architecture.

Sponsors

We are very grateful to the sponsors listed below that have graciously supported our workshop by donating the art supplies needed. These are companies that not only produce high quality art products, but are also committed to environment conservation and social justice. Please take a few minutes to learn about them and their great history and products. We were able to offer this workshop free of charge to all participants to try to be as inclusive as possible and thanks to their support. Our heartfelt appreciation to Blue Pine Arts, Viviva Colors and ATBC!

Viviva Colors is a family owned, socially and environmentally conscious art company. They make truly unique art supplies almost entirely biodegradable, and all products are handmade by women from local community in India. Viviva has generously donated watercolor sheets and water brushes for workshop participants.

Blue Pine Arts is a women-led small company that makes high-quality watercolor paints, sketchbooks and other art supplies. Sketchbooks are covered in upcycled Indian fabric with regional block prints.  The paints are hand-mulled and made of only two things - pure pigments and organic gum arabic binder. No fillers, additives and harsh chemicals to diminish the beauty of our colors. Blue Pine Arts celebrates the full range of traditions, culture and skills of hand-made art supplies. They have graciously donated their adorable tiny sketchbooks and samples of their great watercolor paints.