ART & GEOLOGY

Science and Art have obvious similarities and differences. Both require observation, creativity, and interpretation. Science is logical, data-driven, and based on the proof of hypotheses - it collects and uses data to explain the world. Art is more emotional, illustrating feelings through creativity. My Art uses the science of Geology as inspiration. I was a geologist for 30+ years and used geologic data and facts to prove concepts. Now I look at Geology differently, as an inspiration for creativity using the elements of art and design. The elements of art can be found in Geology at many scales. It is more that landscapes and rock faces - from large-scale satellite images to microscopic views of minerals and fossils. Although not really considered a “pure science” like chemistry and physics, Geology contains subdisciplines that incorporate all of the other sciences (geochemistry, geophysics, paleoecology, etc.) Geology is a rock you tripped over while hiking or the distribution of sand along a beach or river system. Geology can answer why marine fossils are found on Mount Everest or how sediments are supplied to the deep sea.