Intersections of Art and Physics: pre-requisites – strong desire to learn new things

This is an exploratory and experiential survey course on intersections of schools of thought in art and in physics. Commonly, combining science and art means creating modern illustrations of science results using the newest digital as well as traditional media. This is where science drives art/illustration – the science comes first then the art follows. One can also study the beauty/art of scientific discovery itself. This course will touch on such things; but in addition, this course will investigate areas where art drives or motivates science.

Mainly from a qualitative perspective, topics such as color/light, sound/vibration, as well as aspects of optics, form, texture, equilibrium, and physical dynamics will be covered. The nature of creativity, technique, and tools that exists in art and in physics will be addressed. When new paradigms burst forth, often new schools of art and thought can be grown in both art and in physics. Some of these paradigm shifts will be covered.

The intent of this course is to give the student an appreciation for art, an appreciation for basic physical principles, and an appreciation for where these two normally disparate academic areas can and do intersect.

Some hands-on art activities are required. Students will work in teams and are expected to contribute to in-class-discussions, perform research, writing and art assignments, and complete examinations.