Welcome to my latest blog entry, a space where the artistry of Santiago Ramón y Cajal, the legendary Spanish Neuroscientist, becomes the muse for a unique fusion of science and art. As an artist, professor, and Fulbright Scholar, I have the privilege of exploring and breathing "the life" of Cajal's intricate scientific sketches within the four walls of my studio. Just as the swirling hues of a nebula inspire the astronomer, the delicate complexities of Cajal's drawings breathe inspiration into my work.
Monday, June 19, 2023
Threaded Pathways: Unraveling Neuroscience and Art in Hannah Warming's Needles & Neurons
Thursday, June 8, 2023
Exploring the Wonders of the Human Brain: A Journey through Science and Art at the Madrid Book Fair
The 82nd Madrid Book Fair, spanning the duration of two weeks (May 26-June 11, 2023), is welcoming visitors with a multitude of booths representing nearly 1,000 publishing houses across 424 exhibitors. This year's event has undergone modifications aimed at redesigning specific areas to enhance the accessibility of books and alleviate congestion. One noteworthy addition is the implementation of the "shadow project," whereby select sections of the fairgrounds will be covered with tarps. This initiative has been made possible through the support of the Healthy Skin Foundation of the Spanish Academy of Dermatology and Venereology.
Another departure from the Madrid Book Fair tradition is the omission of the customary "Guest Country" designation, which has been replaced by the overarching theme and motto:
"We're into Science and Letters" [#DeCienciasYLetras]
In line with this new approach, exploring scientific literature, many activities are organized to include an established "Science Square" that serves as a collective epicenter of the fair. Among the notable attractions within this area is a projection of a giant brain, coinciding with the Año Cajal, created by CSIC Divulga, provides insights into the intricacies of neuronal functioning.
![Cajal's Sketchbook, Dawn Hunter's illustration of it and the text book featuring Cajal's drawing Cajal sketchbook page featuring dividing skin cells recreated and illustrated by artist Dawn Hunter on the left, and on the right the Cajal's finished drawing published in a sketchbook..](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXWycZl3cjNoz9r14h7t1Uiwrnol4PHX1pOJm3IdbwULWcOJfsk7ZdZz_Ysp4hu2yZLkVVZzaezJM7lQEd1n7BkRUUyc0d6Dvep5hwlCQL0jMEW7CbBf6Norw1-djM5YSiFaqf1FaQMBz35ZL_3hbO9VFkimtJe6zPOiTbabVkn6eUH1T_9_9PjRy90A/w640-h398/B_Dawn%20Hunter%20Artist_Cajal%20Sketchbook%20and%20Division%20of%20Normal%20Skin%20Cells.jpg)
The opening discourse of the Madrid Book Fair, aligned with the overarching science theme of this edition, will be delivered by Agustín Fernández Mallo, an esteemed writer, in collaboration with Nazareth Castellanos, a doctor of Neuroscience, and Andrés Newman and Raquel Lanseros, both of whom have demonstrated a particular interest in scientific matters through their literary works. Furthermore, various gatherings, experiments, and panel discussions revolving around science will be held in the Children's Pavilion, the CaixaBank Pavilion, and the Eugenio Trías Library. These events, many of which are organized by the CSIC and the Spanish Foundation for Science and Technology, aim to foster engagement with scientific topics.
Recognizing that science permeates our daily lives, the Madrid Book Fair endeavors to bridge the gap between scientific knowledge and the general public. In this context, activities explore diverse manifestations we encounter, like the metadata that impacts cyber algorithms that shape our social networks and our individual and collective identities. Other presentations of contemporary existence, such as emerging artificial technologies, have showcased how art is integrated into our lives through scientific illustrations. To that end, the Madrid Book Fair welcomed esteemed guests, including Alejandro Vergara Sharp, the head of the Conservation Area of Flemish Painting and Northern Schools at the Prado Museum, and José Ramón Marcaida, the Head Scientist of the History of Science Department at the CSIC History Institute. Together, these two experts shed light on the captivating interplay between art and science during the 15th and 16th centuries, revealing key insights into this dynamic relationship. Other experts specializing in diverse fields will offer insights on the intersection of scientific and literary subjects on the pavilion for Science and Universities.
A riveting exhibit at the Madrid Book Fair, introduced above, is the enthralling exhibition that explores one of science's most enigmatic marvels: the human brain. This exhibit dovetails with the Año Cajal and examines the intricacies and allure of the brain and the exhibition examines the complexity of the human mind. This installation embodies a unique and immersive experience that is captivating to the viewer and is a testament to the symbiotic relationship between science and art.
Citing Cajal's legendary scientific and artistic endeavors, the exhibition draws visitors into a realm where science and creativity intertwine. The display aims to foster a dialogue between scientific discovery and artistic expression through a multidimensional exploration that provides a gateway to a deeper understanding of the enigmatic nature of our cognition.
Through its immersive and visually striking presentation, the exhibition evokes wonder and curiosity - inspiring future generations of researchers and creatives. As spectators traverse the exhibition, they will witness the intricate tapestry of neural connections, gaining insight into history and the inner workings of human consciousness and explore the potential of the future through new technologies and groundbreaking innovations. Guests can obtain passes and schedule a visit to the exhibition on CSIC's website: here
As is customary, many authors are scheduled to attend the fair and will be signing copies of their books. This year the Madrid Book Fair will present a selection of prominent figures and authors whose works have achieved widespread acclaim and garnered substantial demand. This year's fair will pay tribute to literary giants Jorge Luis Borges, Antonio Gala and Juan Benet on Friday, June 8, 2023.
More Information
The 2023 Madrid Book Fair runs from May 26-June 11 at El Retiro Park.
Book Fair hours are:
- Monday-Thursday, 10:30 am to 2:00 pm & 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
- Saturdays and Sundays, 10:30 am to 3:00 pm & from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
- The closest Metro Madrid stations are Príncipe de Vergara (Lines 2 and 9), Ibiza (Line 9), and Retiro (Line 2).
Official Madrid Book Fair website here
Wednesday, May 31, 2023
Cyber Canvas: Safeguarding Our Digital Nucleus in an Evolving Online Landscape
As an artist coaxes life from the austere medium of marble or a scientist awakens inquiry through the microscopic dance of cells, so too must we consider our digital imprint on the world wide web. A website, much like the nucleus of a cell, forms the crux of this complex tableau, defining, structuring, and fundamentally giving essence to our online identity. This isn't an analogy drawn frivolously; rather, it draws deep parallels with the magnificent designs of life. The nucleus is the cell's center, and it is filled with DNA blueprints that direct its function and purpose. A website is a meticulously curated digital fulcrum of our virtual existence, broadcasting our passions, capabilities, and contributions in a complex lattice of text, graphics, and links with code. On a website, we communicate who we are and what we do, shaping how the digital world perceives and interacts with us. Therefore, crafting this digital nucleus becomes an act of expression, blending the precision of science with the depth of art as we craft a coherent, authentic, and engaging narrative of our identity in the vast virtual cosmos.
The sanctity of our online nucleus, our website, is non-negotiable. Just as a biological cell enforces a membrane barrier against invading pathogens, the integrity of a website's domain needs safeguarding against digital marauders. These agents of chaos, armed with malevolent intent, seek to infiltrate our digital identities, corrupt our narratives, and compromise the authenticity of our self-expression. Thus, prioritizing domain protection is akin to maintaining the cellular health in a biological context. Ensuring robust security protocols, utilizing cutting-edge encryption, and regularly updating safeguards not only preserves our artistic or scientific endeavor in the virtual realm, it also guarantees the trust of those who interact with our domain. Much like an art historian would painstakingly preserve a masterpiece, or a biologist would protect a specimen, we must similarly guard our digital presence from degradation and corruption. The fortress we build around our online nucleus thus becomes a testament to our commitment to digital security, the preservation of our identity, and the respect for the spaces we inhabit and share in the digital universe.
As we navigate the nuanced landscape of digital presence, it's essential to understand the interplay between domain ownership and website hosting—two fundamental elements that, while closely intertwined, serve distinct functions. This distinction is akin to the difference between owning a precious artwork and having a secure gallery to display it. Domain ownership is your claim on a unique address on the web, your 'digital real estate,' if you will. It's the URL that directs users to your piece of the internet, much like the title of a painting guides art enthusiasts to a specific work. Website hosting, on the other hand, is akin to the gallery space where the artwork resides. It's a service that provides the infrastructure needed to display your website - the content, images, and features - on the internet. The domain brings your audience to your door, but it's the hosting that allows them to interact with everything inside. Both are indispensable in shaping and presenting your online identity, requiring strategic investment and judicious management for an engaging and secure online presence.
In the evolving digital landscape, the tactics employed by hackers have transformed into an intricate dance of deception, impersonation, and technical prowess. Their techniques echo the sophisticated forgeries of the art world, and just as the untrained eye may be fooled by a counterfeit, even the most seasoned online denizens can fall prey to such exploits. Recent developments have seen hackers impersonating reputable domain ownership and website hosting platforms, producing convincingly disguised emails to lure unsuspecting users into divulging sensitive information. This constitutes a form of phishing, where these digital miscreants masquerade as trusted entities, exploiting our reliance on these platforms and threatening the sovereignty of our digital nuclei. The deception is so intricate, the mimicry so convincing, that it lures the unwary into a dangerous game of trust, placing not just our personal data, but the very ownership of our online domains at risk. This digital art of deception, much like the craft of a master forger, is targeted towards creating opportunities for theft, underscoring the necessity of constant vigilance and fortified safeguards in our interactions with the digital world.
Should you find yourself ensnared in such an unscrupulous situation, it's essential to recall several key principles to safeguard your digital fortress. Firstly, remember that legitimate platforms hosting your domain or website will never request sensitive information pertaining to domain ownership via email. Their integrity is akin to that of a respected museum, preserving, not violating, your trust.
Secondly, if you own a premium website, like, for example, www.dawnhunter.com, no authentic platform will ever propose to auction off your domain, or cite its premium status as a reason list it in order to gain valuation insight on another platform. It's your masterpiece; they're simply the custodians.
Thirdly, it's imperative never to respond to or click on links within suspicious emails. Much like you wouldn't touch a fragile artifact in a museum without gloves, interacting with phishing emails can lead to irreversible damage. If you receive an email that looks authentic but raises suspicion, directly contact the supposed sender, such as your domain hosting or parking service, to verify its legitimacy. Never underestimate the power of double-checking, just as an art historian would verify a work's provenance.
Always ensure your domain remains locked, acting as the robust security system that protects valuable artworks in a gallery. If you observe dubious activity, it's not only permissible but encouraged to report such instances to ICANN or your local authorities. Like alerting museum security to potential threats, this proactive step can help maintain the security of the broader digital landscape, preserving the sanctity of our collective online expression.
In conclusion, our journey through the intersections of digital domain ownership, website hosting, and cybersecurity echoes the intricate choreography of The Dance: A Cell Block Tango Biological Pun, my recent artistic endeavor. This series, features figures emerging in the cell membrane, the nucleus, and the cytoplasm, and the inclusion of a painting from this series (along with a composition ideation landscape) in this article symbolizes the delicate balance we must maintain in crafting, curating, and safeguarding our digital identities. Like the dance of the cell, our online existence is a continuous ballet of expression, interaction, and vigilance. Our website—the nucleus of our online identity—demands the same respect, care, and protection as a cell in preserving life's vitality. It's essential to remain mindful of our potential challenges, understand the art of deception in the digital landscape, and equip ourselves with the knowledge and tools to protect our precious digital domains. In the end, our online presence is a canvas upon which we paint our intellectual, emotional, and creative identities; a masterpiece worth safeguarding with as much fervor as any priceless art or groundbreaking scientific discovery.
Tuesday, April 25, 2023
In Line with Nature Juxtaposition: A Mixed Media Drawing Adventure with Line, Shape, and Texture - Inspired by Cajal's Observations
Santiago Ramón y Cajal, the renowned Spanish neuroscientist, created an extraordinary body of work that showcased his unique ability to observe and record the intricate details of nature through drawing. Instead of approaching his drawings from a designer's perspective, Cajal relied on perceptual observation to uncover the inherent design of nature. His drawings served as a tool to observe, discern, and recount microanatomy structure, capturing the essence of nature's complexities with actual lines and implied space. Cajal's artistic philosophy centered around the belief that he was at the service of nature – recording and reporting the truthfulness of sight's journey.
Inspired by Cajal's attention to detail and descriptive lines, this blog post will explore an exciting mixed-media drawing assignment that encourages artists to closely observe and capture nature's beauty through line, shape, and texture. We'll explore the role of line variation and texture in adding visual dynamism and the importance of capturing the inherent "movement" or "gesture" of your chosen object. So, let's embark on this artistic journey together and uncover the truthfulness of sight's journey, just as Cajal did.
Introduction
Nature has always been a source of inspiration for artists. In this blog post, we will explore an exciting mixed-media drawing assignment that brings together found objects from nature and your creative inventiveness. This project will utilize line, shape, and texture to create a captivating and descriptive piece. We'll also study the role of line variation and consistency in adding visual dynamism and the importance of capturing the inherent "movement" or "gesture" of your chosen object. So, let's dive into the details and embark on this artistic journey together!
Above, Dawn Hunter's study of an original scientific drawing of Cajal's housed at the Instituto Cajal. Photo © by Dawn Hunter.
The Assignment
Our goal is to create a mixed-media drawing that incorporates a found object from nature, juxtaposed and overlapped with imagery from one of your shape and texture inventories. The final piece should demonstrate your ability to engage the edges of the composition fully, create a descriptive drawing with overlapping images and lines, experiment with the juxtaposition of shape and texture, and participate in a visual critique process.
Materials You'll Need:
- Found object from nature
- Charcoal
- Pencils
- Ink
- Two sheets of 18" x 24" drawing paper
The Process: Begin by developing four thumbnail sketches on a quartered sheet of paper. These sketches will serve as the foundation for your final piece, so be sure to measure and divide the paper evenly using a ruler or by neatly folding it.
Once your sketches are complete, select one to develop into your final drawing. As you work on the piece, consider the following strategies and questions:
- Composition and Format: Pay close attention to the edges of the composition and the placement of your found object. Consider whether a vertical or horizontal format would be more visually pleasing.
- Line Variation and Texture: Experiment with overlapping lines, varying their size, direction, speed, and degree of value. This technique will enhance the illusion of texture, adding depth and descriptiveness to your composition. Reflect on how line variation and texture contribute to visual dynamism in your artwork.
- Capturing Gesture and Movement: Think about the dominant "gesture" or "movement" inherent in your found object – if it were moving with velocity in a particular direction, which way would that be? Consider the factors that created this movement, such as the growth of a branch or the impact of wind. Contemplate the effects of enhancing this movement with texture and line direction to create a more engaging and visually striking piece.
Conclusion
This mixed media drawing assignment is an excellent opportunity to explore the natural world and develop your artistic skills. By focusing on line, shape, and texture, as well as considering visual dynamism and the inherent movement of your chosen object, you'll create a unique and descriptive piece that showcases your creativity and highlights the beauty of nature. So, gather your materials, venture outdoors to find your inspiration, and start sketching your way to an unforgettable artistic experience!
To view more examples of this project, visit my teaching portfolio website, here.
Above, Renee Kinney's Texture Inventory drawings, India ink, graphite, and charcoal on paper, 18" x 24." project based on Mary's Stewarts Texture Inventory exercise.
Friday, March 17, 2023
United by Science: The Historic Twinning of Cajal and Golgi's Hometowns
In a harmonious blend of science, culture, and history, the picturesque town of Petilla de Aragón, where Nobel laureate Santiago Ramón y Cajal was born, is set to be twinned with Corteno Golgi, the Italian hometown of his esteemed colleague and fellow Nobel Prize winner, Bartolomeo Camilo Emilio Golgi. This remarkable union takes place during the Ramón y Cajal Research Year (Año Cajal), a celebration of the triennium that honors the legacy of these two groundbreaking scientists of the 20th century.
On March 17 and 18, the twinning festivities will unfold, offering a medley of cultural activities that unite the families and legacies of Ramón y Cajal and Golgi, who were jointly awarded the Nobel Prize in Medicine in 1906. The event commences with the inauguration of the exhibition 1903 - Viaggio in Italia, showcasing the artistic side of Cajal through a captivating collection of photographs from his Italian sojourn. The following day, visitors will be welcomed to the birthplace of Santiago Ramón y Cajal, where a commemorative plaque will be unveiled, and the title of Favorite Son of the Villa will be posthumously bestowed upon him. This two day event will culminate in an extraordinary municipal plenary session, where the mayors of both towns will sign the twinning agreement, formalizing their commitment to preserving these scientific giants' heritage. Celebrating this historic moment intertwines the legacies of Ramón y Cajal and Golgi and experiences the inspiring fusion of science, art, and community. (Blog post continues below.)
In this blog post, I invite you to traverse the fascinating history and legacy of Santiago Ramón y Cajal while also exploring the inspirational and exquisite landscapes of his hometown from an artistic perspective. I have often conceptualized Cajal's biography from a surreal perspective within my project Aesthetic Instincts: the Intersection of Art and Science in the life of Santiago Ramón y Cajal. Plus, during visits to Cajal's birthplace, I am often compelled to create Plein air paintings that encapsulate the town's natural allure. These pieces and additional works are featured in my latest monograph, Cajal's Canopy of Trees.
Above is my artwork, Cajal and Golgi, - a vivid portrayal of the esteemed scientists on horseback, enveloped by a lush, verdant landscape. At the heart of this imaginative composition lies Cajal's emblematic drawing, reflecting the intriguing contrast between their theories about the brain's anatomy. Accompanying this piece, below, you'll find a pair of pages from my custom and surreally crafted accordion sketchbook, which analyzes the formative years of Cajal's life through a biographical lens, capturing the essence of his childhood and its impact on his illustrious career.
Featured lastly on this post is an example of one of my Plein air landscape paintings from my monograph, Cajal's Canopy of Trees. A publication that as a collection is a tribute to the eminent scientist and a visual odyssey through the captivating scenery that fostered his inquisitiveness and intellect. For those interested in further exploring the artistic aspects of Cajal's world, the monograph provides an immersive experience of the unique environments that significantly influenced the life of this remarkable individual. (Blog post continues below.)
In conclusion, the historic twinning of Santiago Ramón y Cajal and Bartolomeo Camilo Emilio Golgi's hometowns is a testament to their enduring legacies and their profound impact on the world of science. In this article, we've looked into the cultural events and artistic journeys that have given us valuable insights into the lives of these trailblazing individuals. Their remarkable careers were greatly influenced by the vibrant environments they emerged from. As we join the global community in celebrating their achievements and the unique connections between their places of origin, let's also draw inspiration from their unwavering quest for knowledge and the inspiration that emerges when art and science intertwine.
- You can learn more about Dawn Hunter's monograph, here, and you can more about Petilla's twinning event, here.