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 (see Maria Sibylla Merian, Santiago Ramón y Cajal, John James Audubon, Elizabeth Gould). 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 three different, but intersecting and overlapping approaches: (1) nature and field journaling, (2) scientific illustration, and (3) visual notetaking (i.e., sketchnoting). 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/illustrating/notetaking 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. We will share participants work during a lunch break later in the week, in a board at the meeting, and in the following website: https://padlet.com/pizanoc/p2ptcd36o2r94uti. 

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 Hahnemühle, 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.

Hahnemühle is a German company that produces high quality paper for artists around the world. Their Natural line of papers are made by renewable raw materials such as agave, hemp and bamboo; a sustainable alternative to traditional artist papers made by cellulose and cotton for example. The company has donated a variety of watercolor paper from their Naturel line to be used by workshop participants.

The Association for Tropical Biology and Conservation (ATBC) is a scientific professional society formed in 1963. The ATBC is global in scope, membership, and objectives, functioning as an international body to promote research, education, and communication of tropical biology and conservation. ATBC has donated the mini sketchbooks, specialty pens and all other materials used in the workshop. The Association is also sponsoring the coffee break on the 1st day of activities.