Today I write to you from the annual meeting of the Guild of Natural Science Illustrators (GNSI). Illustrators and biologists have gathered in Olympia, Washington to learn about new techniques, new research and to catch-up with old friends. I have had the wonderful opportunity to meet people with whom I have an established email history. How nice it has been to finally meet them in person!
While only 24 hours have transpired on this very quick visit, I have been inspired several times over and have learned so much. My conference experience began with the Portfolio Sharing session. During this type of a session, illustrators open up their portfolios and discuss their work with others. On view are items such as educational posters, botanical illustrations, medical illustrations, textbook illustrations, instructions about how to use medical equipment, and other images representing the many ways scientific information is presented visually to the public. This session reminds you of how much of what we know and understand about the world is because a scientific illustrator helped us see it and understand it. Look around you. What did you learn from a scientific illustrator today?
As with any conference, there are so many learning opportunities and not nearly enough time. I have learned about the art, science and cultural connections between people and crows from Dr. David P. Craig, humpback whales from Dr. Fred Sharpe, aquatic insects from Dr. Carri J. LeRoy and the art of papercutting from artist, Nikki McClure. At the Techniques Showcase I saw demonstrations about lettering in pen & ink by Trudy Nicholson, how to work with Denril vellum by Alice Tangerini, pen & ink techniques by Marjorie Leggitt, and the art of scrimshaw by Captain Suzan Wallace. I also saw examples of colored pencil illustrations on coquille paper by Scott Rawlins, spoke with Kristie Bruzenak the conference chair of the 2012 GNSI Conference and created a card with a linoleum stamp created by printmaker, Sylvia Portillo.
All of this was followed by yet another heavy dose of inspiration at the opening reception of the annual GNSI exhibition.
Today, I go back for more.
ArtPlantae Today 