Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Science Illustration

I just realized that I hadn't mentioned the opening of a new Science Gallery show at New York's Eyebeam Art + Technology Center. Eyebeam is hosting Surface Tension: The Future of Water, a cool series of artworks that explore the role of water in the world today, especially as fresh water becomes a more and more valuable commodity. I wrote about the show for both the Wall Street Journal and Scientific American: you can read my reviews here and here. I thought in general that the artworks were thought-provoking and cool. Take a look at some of my photos:

Friday, July 6, 2012

Drawing Science

I don't usually enjoy going to conferences, but recently I heard of an event that seemed like one of the coolest gatherings I had ever heard of. Beginning this Sunday at the Savannah College of Art and Design, and lasting through July 14th, is the Guild of Natural Science Illustrators annual conference. Presentations include "Science into Imagination: The Art of Creature Design," "Visual Storytelling for the World: Art Direction at National Geographic," and "Illustrating Misconceptions: How Scientific Graphics Can Mislead Students." My mind is officially blown. I love good science illustrations -- I once saw a live demonstration at the California Academy of Science, in San Francisco -- and the chance to go to an entire conference on the subject sounds beyond amazing. I may have to join this organization.
The Science of Liberty: Democracy, Reason, and the Laws of NatureThe Science of Liberty: Democracy, Reason, and the Laws of Nature by Timothy Ferris
My rating: 5 of 5 stars


This is a profoundly interesting book. In it, Ferris argues that the more-or-less simultaneous rise of liberal democracy and modern science is not a coincidence: both thrive on the open exchange of ideas and an experimental spirit. If you like the history of ideas, this is the book for you.

View all my reviews