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Beautiful Dystopias

~ Exploring the hidden impacts of the way we live – www.jacscott.com

Beautiful Dystopias

Monthly Archives: November 2012

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… branches of the same tree

29 Thursday Nov 2012

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art, inspiration, philosophy, photography, quotes, research, science

... branches of the same tree

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Posted by jacscottstudio | Filed under ART, ARTWORKS BY JAC SCOTT, DRAWINGS and PHOTOGRAPHIC RESEARCH, PHILOSOPHY, QUOTES, RESEARCH

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The Natural Wonders of Lichens

24 Saturday Nov 2012

Posted by jacscottstudio in ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE AT UCLAN, DRAWINGS and PHOTOGRAPHIC RESEARCH, HIDDEN IMPACTS, NATURAL RESOURCES, RESEARCH, SCIENCE

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Tags

inspiration, photography, research, science

I have always been fascinated by lichens and their ability to act as barometers of air pollution and environmental health. They are particularly sensitive to airborne pollutants especially sulphur dioxide, nitrogen and ammonia, so if you see some lichen growing well, it’s usually a positive sign. I was very excited recently as I was able to examine a couple of lichens using a scanning electron microscope at University of Central Lancashire – here are a few of the photographs I took.

Lichens are incredible plants with an unusual chemistry – they are actually a fungus symbiotically existing with algae. The partnership is so close we consider it a single plant.  They provide shelter and/or food for a wide variety of invertebrates – mites, molluscs, spider and moths. Many birds use the plant as camouflage for their nests.

It’s hard to date the origin of lichens, being composed of soft tissue and therefore unlikely to be found in fossils, however earliest examples date back 600 million years ago in China.

Worldwide there are about 18,000 species.

The two images are of the inside of a single cone of Cladonia fimbriata – wonderful!

Heavy Metal

21 Wednesday Nov 2012

Posted by jacscottstudio in HIDDEN IMPACTS, NATURAL RESOURCES, RESEARCH, SCIENCE, TOXICOLOGY

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

health, lead, recycling, research, science, toxicology

Lead is one of those stalwart materials that man has been using for thousands of years as evidenced from ancient remains in many parts of the world. The problem is that we all know, and have known for many years, that it is highly damaging to animal and human health, yet we remain seduced by its ductility, softness, malleability and resistance to corrosion. Lead is used widely in a myriad of applications, but especially in the construction industry and for making weights, shots and bullets, safety shields and casings, plus batteries, pesticides and petrol.  Attempts at phasing out the latter group are slow, but in progress, as governments pressurise industry for safer alternatives.

Annual production of lead worldwide is around ten million tonnes of which about 50% is from recycling scrap. Half the world’s lead is used to make lead-acid batteries for the automobile industry.

The poisonous substance should be treated with respect so avoiding long exposure to it is the best safeguard. Detrimental health effects include damage to the nervous system and brain disorders by the neurotoxin accumulating in the soft tissues and bones.

In response to these findings I plan to work with lead by incorporating it into some of my sculptures – harnessing the material to act as a means and a metaphor.  I will of course be taking the necessary health and safety precautions.Image

Art and Science: A Road More Travelled

18 Sunday Nov 2012

Posted by jacscottstudio in ART, DRAWINGS and PHOTOGRAPHIC RESEARCH, PHILOSOPHY, QUOTES, RESEARCH

≈ 1 Comment

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art, philosophy, photography, quotes, research, science

Science can be wondrous, beguiling, clumsy, right and wrong.  The word science comes from the Latin “scientia,” meaning knowledge, and both artists and scientists are searching for the same knowledge: an understanding about the world and how we inhabit it.  The two cultures have very different methodologies  – scientist’s strict protocols, reductionist ethos and a remit to maximise objectivity by abnegating the human element, whilst the artist’s perspective is speculative, imaginative and anthropocentric.  The reliance on research, analysis, questioning and evaluation is shared, but the language of scientists gives the impression of intellectual gravitas, yet the theories and paradigms remain unstable: a set of beliefs in flux. The frameworks we all seek to expand our knowledge of the world, literally and metaphysically, conjoin in structures questioning what is reality. The search for coherence and verification regarding this universal quest for ‘a truth’ is a preoccupation of both disciplines.

Link

Science needs art ?????

16 Friday Nov 2012

Posted by jacscottstudio in ART, PHILOSOPHY, RESEARCH

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art, education, inspiration, research, science

Science needs art ?????

Interesting article advocating scientists should value art – your thoughts?

Overview of nanomaterials for cleaning up the environment

14 Wednesday Nov 2012

Posted by jacscottstudio in HIDDEN IMPACTS, NATURAL RESOURCES, RESEARCH, SCIENCE

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research

Overview of nanomaterials for cleaning up the environment.

Giacometti tribute

14 Wednesday Nov 2012

Posted by jacscottstudio in ART, RESEARCH

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art, sculpture

Giacometti tribute

Giacometti’s sculptures capture beguiling fleeting moments – pure magic.

This old film shared from the art archives is a treasure – enjoy!

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Reading Strange

12 Monday Nov 2012

Tags

art, drawing and photography research, found, quotes, research, science

Reading Strange and Charmed – discusses art and science collaborations. Have you read this?

Posted by jacscottstudio | Filed under ARTWORKS BY JAC SCOTT, DRAWINGS and PHOTOGRAPHIC RESEARCH, PHILOSOPHY, QUOTES, RESEARCH

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Destination

09 Friday Nov 2012

Posted by jacscottstudio in DRAWINGS and PHOTOGRAPHIC RESEARCH, PHILOSOPHY, QUOTES, RESEARCH

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

art, photography, research

Destination

Life is a journey – lets move

Power Tools

08 Thursday Nov 2012

Posted by jacscottstudio in ART, RESEARCH

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

art, inspiration, sculpture

Power Tools

Fascinating article from Anne Berk at the Sculpture Network – sculptor Tony Cragg discusses the extent of harnessing computer technology

Sublime

07 Wednesday Nov 2012

Posted by jacscottstudio in DRAWINGS and PHOTOGRAPHIC RESEARCH, RESEARCH

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

art, beauty, death, found, photography, research

Sublime

The sublime exquisiteness of a found seabird skull – natural treasure and pure inspiration.

Working on the World

06 Tuesday Nov 2012

Posted by jacscottstudio in ARTWORKS BY JAC SCOTT

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art, sculpture

I am currently creating a new sculpture in response to the notion of an invisible  toxic atmosphere around our world, that is all pervading, but unseen. 

Using a wire brush attachment on my drill I work away at the surface to reveal the recycled black glass nuggets hidden beneath the polymer plaster. 

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Who am I?

jacscottstudio

jacscottstudio

Hello! I am a visual artist focusing on issue-based work that investigates the environmental issues behind fractured realities. Exploring the enigma of our existence, revealed in our ways of being, our relationship with our environs and the marks we leave behind is my preoccupation. My predilection for collaborations with scientists and geographers has led to an informed body of work that reflects a world without a sense of equilibrium. The work aims to have an oblique potency that acknowledges the world’s dark underbelly, whilst acting as a catalyst for igniting debate. I am an innate researcher who has not lost the infantile curiosity and wonder about the world - the questions and answers are in flux - I appreciate other people's viewpoints so please comment on posts that interest you - I am always happy to hear constructive criticism about my artworks and hear more information about and/or debate issues I raise. Both as metaphor and in material selection, my artistic responses focus on brooding degradation: peeling layers inviting a meditation on the narrative exposed. I try not to create more stuff – our world is already over-stuffed – so I reuse and transform objects whenever possible to satisfy my environmental conscience. This blog was initially started to complement my residency at University of Central Lancashire in Britain where I was working with scientists in the School of Built and Natural Environment examining the hidden impacts of our way of life. The residency has now ended but due to the public response I aim to continue it as long as people are interested in my art practice. Thank you for taking the time to visit my blog. Visit www.jacscott.com for more information about my contemporary practice.

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