Science & Art Humboldt's Influence
Alexander Von Humboldt's Influence on American Art
Art & Science UNITE
Many people feel like the arts and the sciences are completely different fields that don't have much in common. But, that is just a lie we have been told. The Prussian scientist Alexander Von Humboldt understood how interconnected everything really is and in this episode we look at his influence on American art and so much more.
I feel like I was missed out on not learning about Humboldt earlier and hope you enjoy learning a bit this amazing naturalist, explorer, inventor, inspiritor and scientist. Explore content discussed in the episode and a recap of practices discussed below.
I feel like I was missed out on not learning about Humboldt earlier and hope you enjoy learning a bit this amazing naturalist, explorer, inventor, inspiritor and scientist. Explore content discussed in the episode and a recap of practices discussed below.
Introducing Alexander von Humboldt
Books:
Here are links to books on Humboldt. The first one is the book that was gifted to my family that started my own exploration of his work.
Artists Mentioned
Suggested Practices:
So lets talk about some practices around, art, science, nature, exploration, knowledge and influence…
- Consider how your own interests intersect. Humboldt was a multipotentialite….interested in many things and he pointed those interests into science. How do you point your passions and interest into art?
- Do you see how art and science connect? How have you explored that in your own creative process? Has science, in any of it’s ologies….been an influence in your art? Whether it was data from a creativity study or information on mixing paint I bet you could find some connections there.
- How has nature inspired your creativity? Maybe spend some time in nature…do some sketches of your environment. Tune into the composition of it all and how it connects. Or focus in on a part of that whole. When is the last time you took your sketchbook out and really just spent time in nature creating?
- Working with nature does not mean just observational drawing. What are some unique ways you might be able to blend your aesthetics and creativity with some sort of scientific curiosity?
- What other disciplines could you cross with your art practice?
- Explore…how has exploration influenced your creativity. When you explore through travel or even through exploration of an idea what can that do for your art?
- Think about your relationship with travel. Do you have any travel journals, postcards, photos or anything from your own travel history that could be an inspiration for creative action. Or even point you towards imaginative retellings of a travel experience?
- Consider influence…who inspires you? Who inspired them? Who inspired them? Follow the thread of influence and make connections. How have some of the people you read, listen to or respect influenced your own creative exploration? And who else was inspired by them. Consider creating a take on the family tree that shows influence links in your life.
- How are you being an influence? We all are influencing someone. It does not matter if your influence is large or small…you are a voice in someone’s head. What are you doing there? It could just be family and friends or your community, it could be online or maybe has manifested in ways you have not even noticed. But realize our thoughts have power over not just us, but those our life touches. Consider that.