Art and Science
Is it really art OR science? Are those two opposites, or are they linked? To understand it best, let’s define both of them. Science is the acquisition of knowledge through observation. Hypotheses evolve to theories. Empirical testing turns theories into “laws” or facts. While data and proof don’t always reveal why a law exists (think, law of gravity), they can help us understand what a law means. Art, on the other hand, is the generation of original thought through expression. In its finest forms, that expression fills our senses – sight, sound, smell, taste, touch with a sense of wonderment. Art is motivated through inspiration. Sounds a lot different than science, doesn’t it?
Not so fast…
Ever hear of a guy named Leonardo da Vinci? Da Vinci lived during the Renaissance period, in the city of Florence, Italy. He was the ultimate “Renaissance Man”, a genius whose curiosity led to many modern day inventions. He was also a phenomenal artist, painting one of the most celebrated portraits in the history of modern art: the Mona Lisa. Here’s the thing about our Leonardo: he didn’t really separate science and art. His insatiable curiosity gave birth to modern day fields of study: paleontology, modern anatomy and architecture to name a few. He gave birth to inventions: the parachute, helicopter and tank,
among others. His artistry led to the creation of masterpieces like the aforementioned Mona Lisa, the Last Supper and the Vitruvian Man. You see, da Vinci didn’t see the line between art and science. In order to truly create his masterpieces on canvas, he had to fully understand diffused and reflected light, anatomy and mathematics. He looked at each one of inventions as “art”. All of his creations shared a common thread: curiosity.
At some point early on, most things we now call science were art. But, not everything we call art became science. Think about that. Curiosity driven by “who, what, when, where, how or why” gives birth to inspiration, deeper understanding, effort and creation. All of these elements are present in both science AND art.
Music, for instance, works in part because there is a mathematical cadence. When we learn something we didn’t previously know, we feel a satisfaction similar to experiencing an amazing work of art. It’s as if these experiences shape us, make us a little better. And we are better, because our eyes are now open to new things, more possibilities. In the most extreme circumstances, we become inspired to learn more, experience more, and create more.
In the early 1800s, tensions were high between the USA and England. An aspiring young talent named Samuel was starting his career in portraiture and sculpting when a series of conflicts escalated and became the War of 1812. The irony is that, while the US and British navies battled, England attempted to reconcile relationships with the US, but the message took nearly a month to reach our shore. In the interim, the USA declared war on England.
Fast ‐ forward to 1825, while Samuel was away on business in Washington DC, his wife died suddenly in New Haven, Connecticut. The news took a full week to reach him by mail. He was unable to make it back in time for her funeral.
These two events inspired Samuel Morse to invent the telegraph. After many court battles, the first telegraph line was officially put into service on May 24, 1844. Samuel used his knowledge of electromagnetic pulses to modernize human communication. Morse code is still used to this day by the Navy to communicate distress signals.
Today, thanks to modern communication, I’m able to text what’s on my heart -‐ whether it be an appreciation of what’s beautiful or a teaching moment from the world of science and experience.
Remember, whether you’re Leonardo da Vinci, Samuel Morse, Jett, or Savannah, your curiosity can be rewarded by inspiration that leads to invention. That’s true whether your intent is to paint a masterpiece or build a better mousetrap. Be a lover of both art and science. And dream big! Have a great day! Love dad.
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