Curiosity isn't contagious, but it should be...

JOE DAVIS IS AMAZING.


The documentary was really inspiring.  To listen to him talk about the things he's interested is really inspiring.  As someone who references science and bio artists, he makes me question whether or not I'm "science-y" enough.  And this of course is something that I have been considering in my own work.  Since my residency in NYC, I've been asking myself: 

"should the work look like ART or SCIENCE?" 

"should it be more science-like?" 

"do I need more data?" 

"is visual data enough?" 

"does my work reflect both science and art?" 

"how do I fit into the contemporary context of other bio artists?"




During Joe's lecture he mentioned that a lot of times artists (and in his opinion bio-artists in particular) are very illiterate about real science.  That is very true.  During my journey of trying to find bio artists to look at and relate too, I notice that a lot of them just use the scientific jargon as a way to elevate the work.  Sometimes they don't.  But where does my work fit into that? Or perhaps more importantly where will my future work fit into that?  I'm not going to lie, I've used some scientific jargon in titling my work- but I think I was doing it correctly and not just trying to elevate the work.  

I find that the art circles are almost more easily accepting of my work, whereas, the die-hard scientist is a much tougher critic in some ways.  I like to consider both; or at least be aware of both sides of the audience.  



Joe's visit was so very inspiring.  I was quite nervous before he arrived here, wondering what kind of interactions everyone would have with him.  His visit surpassed all expectations and blew me away.  He is so charming, down to earth, intellectual, and curious about most all things.  I am eager for his return visit in the spring.  He'll be with us for a week, and here while we're teaching the bio-art class.  He's one of those people who can inspire with just a short conversation.  I am blessed to have met him and consider him a friend.  

Panorama taken by Ashley Seifert in Kip's outdoor studio. L to R: Logan, Kip, myself, Joe.

Joe in his natural habitat, fossil hunting.