Science Communication Research + Practice | Impacts Assessment | Organizational Change Management
*Images are from the ‘drawing for scientists’ section I led in a scicomm workshop at ESA’s 2014 annual meeting.
Researchers have demonstrated that drawing (even without training) can help clarify what you know, assist instructors in assessing student knowledge, and enhance public communication efforts. And, there is evidence that collaboration between scientists and artists may result in better science.
Continue reading “Illustrating Ecology…conferences, that is”
Continue reading “Sketchbook Snapshot: Sketches from “Drawn to Quebec””
Do you enjoy sketching or illustrating your work or field site?
You probably agree that illustrations are like research – they are often more meaningful when shared.
On the other hand, do you dread what it takes to get your sketches into a functional digital format?
Most of my past Lepidoptera indulgences were focused on the butterflies, with little to no attention paid to the moths, their so-called “plain clothes cousins.” A few weeks ago, though, National Moth Week notices started catching my attention on social media and science communication news feeds. So I paid a bit more attention during the last few weeks of our field season, and what a wonderland I found!
Continue reading “Sketchbook Snapshot: “Nocturnal wonders: Looking closely at a couple of moths””
Now more than ever, you may want a sense of calm and rootedness.
Of small, simple moments of joy.
Of deep connection to place.
And, a parallel quietness of mind.
Go for it! Suspend time. Pause the do list in your head. Instead, focus closely on details in the natural world around you.
Sketching is a powerful way to direct your attention and create this sense of focus. If you’re not quite sure how to get started, this little pocket guide is for you!
This advance copy of the Pocket Guide to Sketching and Field Journal Basics gets you started with the fun, whacky techniques that professional artists use to warm up, move past the blank page, and channel observation into discovery and delight.
With your copy of the pocket guide as your companion, you can pursue your curiosity while calming your mind. If you sketch your observations regularly, you will begin to build a sense of place, whether you observe snails in a window flower box, weeds growing through cracks in the sidewalk, or migratory birds in a wilderness area.
While the materials in this pocket guide focus on science and nature, the sketching exercises and basic principles are equally useful if you want to sketch your garden, coffee cup, or next trip (when we can travel again!).
Pay what you can!
With whatever amount* you are able to contribute, you can take yourself on a journey that will enhance your sense of place and help you find small delights close to home.
*Just adjust the quantity in the PayPal link to adjust the amount you contribute! 🙂 Shipping will be calculated automatically.
Now, keep reading to learn a bit more about how science and art have teamed up throughout the ages!
Continue reading “Pocket Guide: Sketching and Field Journal Basics”
Bethann Garramon Merkle, MFA 