Art And Ecology

ENV4610 Art and Ecology in the Anthropocene
4 Advanced Liberal Arts CreditsThis trans-disciplinary course is co-taught by an artist and an ecologist and will focus on integrating visual art practices and scientific methodologies as a means of observing, understanding, interpreting, and creatively responding to human driven disturbances and the restoration of nature. We will use art and science and the intersections between these disciplines to investigate the environment through: water, soils and clay, the movement of plants, and landscape ecology. Students will learn a range of contemporary artists whose work is dependent on and responsive to the natural environment. Students will also explore scientific processes for healthy ecological function and human-driven disturbance. Students will be challenged to visualize their scientific observations and creative responses through drawing, graphing, 2 D mixed media, mapping/modeling, and sculpture. It is understood that students will likely be entering the studio art practice at a beginning level, therefore prior art experience is not required.

Prerequisites: 3 Intermediate liberal arts courses (CVA, LVA, HSS, CSP, LTA in any combination)