EXHIBITION CATALOGUE
Art from the Republic of Science ∞ Creative Works from the Membership of the Texas Academy of Science
Art.Science.Gallery. and the Texas Academy of Science are pleased to exhibit the works of members of the Academy for the 116th Annual Meeting of TAS. This exhibition features science-related artworks in an effort to promote the use of the creative arts in science communication, increase artistic and scientific innovations via interdisciplinary collaborations and to support the creative endeavors of Texas scientists. Art from the Republic of Science showcases a diverse range of creative works that combine art and the natural sciences through content, purpose, craft or materials. These 41 works from 12 members of the Academy include ceramics, photography, printmaking, textiles, folk art, drawing, painting and mixed media. A portion of these proceeds will be donated to help fund competitive research awards for students. Art.Science.Gallery. is an art gallery and science communication space featuring science-related artwork in Austin, Texas. Join the fun by visiting ArtScienceGallery.com. Texas Academy of Science promotes research through sixteen disciplinary sections at the Annual Meeting held each spring, provides expert testimony on policy issues related to STEM or science education and has a current membership of nearly 600 scientists. Learn more by visiting TexasAcademyofScience.org.
ABOUT US
science art exhibitions / classes / science communication
Join our mailing list ArtScienceGallery.com/evolve Like us on Facebook Facebook.com/ArtScienceGallery Follow us on Twitter Twitter.com/artscigallery P.O. Box 153205 | Austin, TX 78715 512.522.8278 info@artsciencegallery.com
At Art.Science.Gallery. our mission is to provide a friendly environment to make science more accessible to everyone through science-related visual arts exhibitions, foster the careers of emerging and established artist-scientists and to provide professional development opportunities for scientists to become more engaging public communicators. We invite you to join our evolution as we embark on a crowdfunding campaign to raise funds for our very own art gallery and science communication space in Austin, Texas. Back our campaign and receive great science art rewards including limited edition art prints and more!
Join Our Evolution Campaign March 23 – May 5, 2013 March 23 Kickoff Party + Science Music Event April 27-28 + May 4-5 Join Our Evolution Group Show + WEST Austin Studio Tour
DONALD BROWN Currently Resides in Bastrop, Texas About the Artist Doctoral Candidate, Philosophy: Aquatic Resources Dissertation Title: Impacts of Low and High Severity Fire On Herpetofauna and Their Habitat in a Southern USA Mixed Pine Forest Texas State University-San Marcos M.S. Wildlife Ecology | December 2008 Thesis Title: Lower Rio Grande Valley Freshwater Turtle Populations: Three Decades of Change Texas State University-San Marcos B.S. in Fisheries & Wildlife− Wildlife Specialization | May 2007 University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
TAS Member Since 2010 TAS Section Interest Conservation Ecology
In Our Hands DONALD BROWN Artist Statement The dramatic decline of amphibians across the world is at the forefront of the current biodiversity crisis. These declines are primarily a direct result of habitat loss and degradation. This watercolor is based on a photograph I took holding a Green Tree Frog (Hyla cinerea) on a study area we are using for habitat restoration research. We are currently at the point where we must decide whether or not to acknowledge and respect the inherent right of species other than our own to persist. The future of amphibians is in our hands.
Watercolor on paper | 2012 12" x 12" $150
Birth-life-death: Birds Of A Feather DONALD BROWN Artist Statement One of the aesthetic values the natural world provides is that it serves as a medium to promote personal reflection on aspects of our lives. This pastel is based on the Bee-eater scene from Life of Birds. Seeing these three nearly identical individuals huddled together on a branch, looking in different directions forced me to reflect upon the gradient of life; to view life not as discrete categories, but as a continuum between birth and death.
Oil and pastel on paper | 2006 28.5” x 22.5” $200
Remember The Alamo DONALD BROWN Artist Statement The Houston Toad (Bufo [Anaxyrus] houstonensis) was one of the first amphibians listed under the Endangered Species Act. Despite being listed, this species has continued to decline and is now at a high risk of extinction. This photograph symbolizes our fight to save this species against all odds through management and r e s e a r c h . T h i s fi g h t w i l l continue until the last toad call ceases to echo through the pines.
Photographic print | 2011 10" x 8" $50
New Life DONALD BROWN Artist Statement Next to breathtaking landscapes, birds are arguably the most valuable of nature’s members for inspiring the general public to promote and support species and habitat conservation. This watercolor of a juvenile Golden-cheeked Warbler (Setophaga chrysoparia) is based on a photograph by Jacqueline Ferrato. This is one the few species in Texas responsible for saving large tracts of land from development.
Watercolor on paper | 2012 8.5” x 5.5” $100
ROMI BURKS
TAS Member Since 2003 TAS Section Interest(s) Freshwater Science Science Education
Currently Resides in Georgetown, Texas About the Artist Ph.D. Ecology, Evolution & Environmental Biology | 2000 Dissertation Title: Daphnia in Littoral Zones: Costs and Benefits Associated With Diel Horizontal Migration University of Notre Dame B.S. in Biology | 1995 Loyola University Chicago B.A. in English | 1995 Loyola University Chicago Awards and Leadership Texas Academy of Sciences Past-President (12-13), President (11-12), President-Elect (10-11), Vice President (09-10), Awards Committee Chair, (09-13)
Eggstravagant ROMI BURKS Artist Statement Apple snails in the genus Pomacea show a unique reproductive behavior in which they deposit bright pink egg clutches above the water’s surface. This life history stage of the clutch and subsequent hatching represents an incredibly vulnerable stage in the snail’s development. Eggstravangant, shows an up-close magnification (25x) of the individual eggs in clutch. Digital microscopy taken with an Olympus microscope in the lab where Romi teaches at Southwestern University.
Giclée print on canvas (1 of 3 in Series) | 2006 5" x 7" $20 each | $45 for Series
Snail Drama ROMI BURKS Artist Statement Apple snails in the genus Pomacea show a unique reproductive behavior in which they deposit bright pink egg clutches above the water’s surface. This life history stage of the clutch of Pomacea snail eggs and subsequent hatching represents an incredibly vulnerable stage in the snail’s development. Digital microscopy taken with an Olympus microscope in the lab where Romi teaches at Southwestern University.
Giclée print on canvas (2 of 3 in Series) | 2006 5" x 7" $20 each | $45 for Series
Snail Surreal ROMI BURKS Artist Statement Snail Surreal depicts a young snail struggling in a sea of slightly salted water which gives o the wave pattern. Burks' images show the beauty of this creature despite its status as an exotic invasive species. Digital microscopy taken with an Olympus microscope in the lab where Romi teaches at Southwestern University.
GiclĂŠe print on canvas (3 of 3 in Series) | 2006 5" x 7" $20 each | $45 for Series
Snail Chime ROMI BURKS Artist Statement Apple snails within the genus Pomacea represent some of the largest freshwater snails on the planet. In contrast to the bright egg clutches that females lay on emergent vegetation, the dark shells of the apple snails help them blend into the bottoms of ponds, lakes, streams and rivers. As an exotic invasive species, few positive uses exist for this species although their shells may have some utilitarian use when placed into craft projects such as this chime.
Apple snail shells, enamel paint, string | 2013 12� x 24� $30
JACQUIE FERRATO Currently Resides in New Braunfels, Texas About the Artist B.S. in Wildlife Biology, Minor in Chemistry | 2009 Texas State University-San Marcos Jacquie Ferrato’s wildlife photography has been published in numerous articles for The Boerne Star. She has also presented an educational seminar on the topic of nature photography at Cibolo Nature Center in Boerne, Texas.
TAS Member Since 2013 TAS Section Interest Conservation Ecology
Western Kingbird (Tyrannus verticalis) JACQUIE FERRATO Artist Statement This Western Kingbird (Tyrannus verticalis) perches atop a thorny tree looking out for insects to make up this neotropical birds next meal. Not afraid to chase o any intruders, including birds of prey, this species earns their strong name.
GiclĂŠe print on canvas | 2011 15" x 10" $40
Evolution Of Birds JACQUIE FERRATO Artist Statement This image was created by combining two photographsone of a bird’s silhouette and one of text describing the evolutionary history of birds. Jacquie’s example of a metaphoric collision between science and art.
Giclée print on canvas | 2013 15" x 10" $40
Texas Tortoise (Gopherus berlandieri) JACQUIE FERRATO Artist Statement Be on the lookout for this primarily vegetarian tortoise (Gopherus berlandieri), as they are a Texas threatened species.
Photographic print | 2011 24" x 16" $40
Golden-Cheeked Warbler (Setophaga chrysoparia) JACQUIE FERRATO Artist Statement While doing a Golden-cheeked Warbler (Setophaga chrysoparia) banding re-sight survey in Austin for the Balcones Canyonlands Preserver; a survey to identify individual birds by the color of their leg bands. I attracted the curiosity of a yearling who perched closer and closer, trying to get a better look at me.
Photographic print | 2012 10" x 8" $15
Kemp’s Ridley Turtle (Lepidochelys kempii) JACQUIE FERRATO Artist Statement An endangered species, the Kemp's Ridley sea turtle makes her way every summer to the sands of her birthplace to lay eggs of her own. Soon after they hatch, the young must make their way to the safety of the warm ocean waters.
Photographic print | 2011 10" x 8" $15
MENG GAO Currently Resides in College Station, Texas About the Artist B. S. in Physics | 2004 University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China M.S. in Physics | 2007 Peking University, Beijing, China PhD. In Physics | 2012 Texas A&M University, Texas Special Honors and Awards Guanghua Graduate Scholarship, Peking University | 2006 Zhong Shengbiao Award, Peking University | 2007 Student Paper Award, Ocean Optics XX | 2010 1st Place Winner of both Physics Session and Overall Subject Area, Student Research Week,Texas A&M University | 2011 U.S. Senator Phil Gramm Doctoral Fellowship |2012
TAS Member Since 2011 TAS Section Interest Physics
The Tao Of Rays MENG GAO Artist Statement A ray of light can be reflected and refracted many times by a water droplet. This is how rainbows become visible to the human eye. Likewise, we can trace the path of 10,000 rays in a water droplet and bubble using a numerical program. This image is the visualization of all these rays.
GiclĂŠe print on bamboo paper | 2013 10" x 20" $200
JAN KNOX Currently Resides in Austin, Texas About the Artist Jan Knox paints her love of nature, from the viewpoint of her training as a Geologist and her many travels. Preferring to spend her time outside exploring nature, she is a backpacker, hiker, canoeist and caver. In this series called, “Lines in the Dark”, our everyday lives move linearly through a world of asphalt and concrete living and working in climate controlled cubicles. However, nature is all around us trying to reach our soul. Underneath our feet is a hidden natural world sculpted by water that is rarely seen. These drawings on canvas share this world of rock, water and crystal. Knox’s inspiration comes from years of exploring caves in Texas and Mexico with emphasis on Natural Bridge Caverns near New Braunfels, TX.
TAS Member Since 2013 TAS Section Interest(s) Geology Environmental Science
Untitled JAN KNOX Artist Statement Both of the untitled horizontal cave drawings are based on horizontal, bedding plane caves common in the Texas Plateau area of the Edwards Limestone. These drawings show stalactites, stalagmites, and columns (formations that go from ceiling to floor). Following graduation, Knox went to work for the Texas Water Development Board as a geologist. Besides working on ground water supplies for municipalities, industry and mining operations; she also worked for two years mapping the recharge zone of the Edwards Aquifer from Del Rio to Kyle, TX.
Ink drawing on canvas | 2012 13.5� x 10.5� $150
The Broom Closet JAN KNOX Artist Statement Knox has always been interested in Nature, going to commercial caves with her parents growing up. When she arrived at the University of Texas in Austin, many fellow geology majors were members of a caving club. Knox joined and started going to wild caves on the weekends. When she was a junior, she meet Orion Knox, caver and surveyor. She learned both cave and above ground surveying. Together, they became a survey team and started working assisting on wild cave development for the public in Puerto Rico, Barbados, Arizona, Colorado, Mexico and Texas. The Broom Closet is at Natural Bridge Caverns. Unusual stalactites shaped like brooms hang from the ceiling.
Ink drawing on canvas | 2012 36" x 36" $450
Split-level Passage JAN KNOX Artist Statement I have always been interested in Nature, going to commercial caves with my parents growing up. When I arrived at the University of Texas in Austin, many fellow geology majors were members of a caving club. I joined and started going to wild caves on the weekends. The "SplitLevel Cave" is drawn from memory of a wild cave in Guadalupe County, Texas.
Ink drawing on canvas | 2012 10.5” x 13.5” $150
Untitled JAN KNOX Artist Statement Both of the untitled horizontal cave drawings are based on horizontal, bedding plane caves common in the Texas Plateau area of the Edwards Limestone. These drawings show stalactites, stalagmites, and columns (formations that go from ceiling to floor). Following graduation, Knox went to work for the Texas Water Development Board as a geologist. Besides working on ground water supplies for municipalities, industry and mining operations; she also worked for two years mapping the recharge zone of the Edwards Aquifer from Del Rio to Kyle, Texas.
Ink drawing on canvas | 2012 13.5� x 10.5� $150
Soda Straws JAN KNOX Artist Statement "Soda Straws " shows very thin, narrow stalactites hanging from the ceiling and stalagmites below on the floor from the Cathedral Room, Grutas del Palmito, Mexico. Orion and Jan Knox still do surveying and development analysis for land owners and government agencies. Every country they visit always includes checking out a few caves commercial or wild depending on how much time they have to give.
Ink drawing on canvas | 2012 10.5” x 13.5” $150
CHRISTINE KOLBE Currently Resides in Austin, Texas About the Artist B.A. in Biology and Environmental Studies | 1983 Northeastern Illinois University, Chicago, IL M.S. in Aquatic Biology | 1988 Texas State University-San Marcos "When I graduated from high school I was torn between art school and science. Art is my natural calling but for some reason the force of water, science, and the desire to serve was stronger. Throughout my time working for the state of Texas I have found ways to satisfy the right side of my brain. My favorite way to do that is to write educational type guides for the public. Whenever possible I do illustrations for my publications and for special projects or events."
TAS Member Since 1986 TAS Section Interest(s) Freshwater Science Environmental Science Science Education
Water Drop Collage 2 CHRISTINE KOLBE
Giclée print on paper, hand colored with colored pencil | 2013 11” x 14” $150
Artist Statement A common theme to most of Kolbe’s drawings is the freshwater ecosystem. The ideas come from many years of work in Texas rivers, streams, lakes, and reservoirs. While the drawing does not represent any place in p a r t i c u l a r , m a n y characteristics are related to the Rio Grande. She usually chooses some water feature to act as the “vessel” and in this case a drop of water. This drawing includes a crayfish, sunfish, copepod, whirligig beetle, heron, leopard frog, volox (green algae) and some general aspects of the f r e sh wa t e r e c os ys t e ms — rivers, streams, lakes, ponds, water quality, and riparian vegetation.
Water Drop Collage 1 CHRISTINE KOLBE Artist Statement A common theme to most of her drawings is the freshwater ecosystem. Most, including this one, are done for fun with the idea that they may be useful at some point—for education or a publication. The ideas come from many years of work in Texas rivers, streams, lakes, and reservoirs. While the drawing does not represent any place in particular many characteristics are related to the Rio Grande. Kolbe usually chooses some water feature to act as the “vessel” and in this case a drop of water. This drawing includes a sunfish, adult dragonfly, whirligig beetle, heron and a depiction of the hot springs of the Rio Grande.
Giclée print on paper, hand colored with colored pencil | 2013 11” x 14” $150
Fish Collage CHRISTINE KOLBE Artist Statement A common theme to most of her drawings is the freshwater aquatic ecosystem. Most, including this one, are done for fun with the idea that they may be useful at some point— for education or a publication. The ideas come from many years of work in Texas rivers, streams, lakes, and reservoirs. Kolbe usually chooses some water feature to act as the “vessel” and in this case a “hybrid” sunfish. This drawing includes a heron, adult dragonfly, and whirligig beetle mixed in with things aquatic— instream habitat, riparian vegetation, and springs.
Giclée print on paper, hand colored with colored pencil | 2013 11” x 14” $150
Texas Collage CHRISTINE KOLBE Artist Statement The Texas Collage originally started as a cover drawing for the publication A Guide to Freshwater Ecology (TCEQ GI-34), but was not used. This is a collage of common species and characteristics of freshwater environments in Texas. The drawing includes a s u n fi s h , c r a y fi s h , a d u l t d r a g o n fl y , m i c r o s c o p i c organisms (copepod, algae), Naucorid, water snake, cattails, Secchi disk, and a boat.
Giclée print on paper, hand colored with colored pencil | 2002 11” x 14” $150
Freshwater Collage CHRISTINE KOLBE Artist Statement This originally started as a drawing for the publication A Guide to Freshwater Ecology (TCEQ GI-34). In the end, it was not pictured, however, she finished it recently just for fun, with the idea of it being useful at some point. This is a collage of common freshwater species that were included in the publication. The drawing includes a sunfish, crayfish, mayfly, dragonfly, mosquito fish, adult dragonfly, darter, copepod, riffle beetle, caddisfly, and naucorid to name a few.
Giclée print on paper, hand colored with colored pencil | 2013 11” x 14” $150
KIRA McENTIRE Currently Resides in Georgetown, Texas About the Artist B.A. in Environmental Studies and Biology with Honors and minor in Studio Art | 2013 Southwestern University Georgetown, Texas Study Abroad: Marine Protected Areas: Management Techniques and policies Turks and Caicos | Summer 2011 Field Study: Biology of Plethodontid Salamanders at Highland Biological Station | Summer 2012 Research Assistant June 2010 – present Biology Department, Southwestern University Georgetown, Texas Kira helps conduct monthly surveys exploring growth rates, reproduction, and activity patterns of the Georgetown Salamander (Eurycea naufragia)
TAS Member Since 2010 TAS Section Interest Environmental Science
Unrecognized Beauty KIRA MCENTIRE Artist Statement Diatoms are a type of phytoplankton surrounded by a silica-based structure. These structures provide a variety of unique and beautiful shapes, but their size makes them easy to overlook. Phytoplankton are responsible for the vast majority of carbon dioxide uptake for the entire globe, yet are frequently ignored. This piece strives to bring awareness to the importance and beauty of diatoms, (in addition to having a similar chemical make up).
Stoneware | 2012 3.5” x 6.5” x 3.5” $80
JOSH RUSSELL Currently Resides in Austin, Texas About the Artist Doctoral Candidate, Cell and Molecular Biology University of Texas at Austin B.A. in Communication | 1992 Southwestern University, Georgetown, TX Awards National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship | 2010 Solo permanent installations: Molecular Biology Building The University of Texas at Austin | 2006 Josh was invited to transform the DNA and microscopy core facility into an art gallery. Chemical Engineering Building The University of Texas at Austin | 2007 Josh was commissioned to create 12 artworks based o research conducted by the chemical engineering department.
TAS Member Since 2013 TAS Section Interest(s) Cell and Molecular Biology Chemistry Biochemistry
Percentage Of Night Male Birds Spend Calling vs Number Of Females Responding JOSH RUSSELL Artist Statement This piece began when Russell was reading an article in the science journal, “Nature”. He was struck by one of the figures which plotted how much of the night is spent with the male birds calling out for females and how many female birds reciprocated the male's call.. For the purposes of this illustration the night begins on the right and ends on the left. To the artist, the graph illustrated a poetic a metaphoric depiction of sexual yearning and reward which resonates even with human behavior.
Acrylic on canvas 18” x 18” $350
Special Distribution Of A Xenon Arc Lamp JOSH RUSSELL Artist Statement This piece was created when Russell started working for The University of Texas’ Core Microscopy Center. This image shows which colors of light are emitted when one puts an electrical charge through a vacuum tube filled with xenon gas. Russell began to view the graph as an industrial complex silhouette similar to the oil refineries he saw growing up near Texas City. As a child, Russell was always struck by how barren and ominous, but also how b e a u t i f u l t h e r e fi n e r i e s seemed. The result is this painting, which is a depiction of the graph filtered though his memories of Texas City.
Acrylic on Canvas 8” x 12” $350
Structured Illumination JOSH RUSSELL
Acrylic on canvas | 2008 18” x 36” $350
Artist Statement This piece was created when Russell started working for The University of Texas’ Core Microscopy Center. He was struck by this graph which depicts the theory behind this microscope that was able to see things at a higher m a g n i fi c a t i o n t h a n w a s previously obtainable. Russell became fascinated in the figure as an expression of emergence of something remarkable and exquisite that arose from a simple principle. Through the process of painting the identical circles over and over (there are two older versions underneath), the artist felt the painting itself was an artistic demonstration of this emergent quality through persistent application of a simple process.
Special Distribution Of An Argon Arc Lamp JOSH RUSSELL Artist Statement This piece was created when Russell started working for The University of Texas’ Core Microscopy Center. He was familiarizing himself with the equipment and principles involved with his study. This graph shows which colors of light are emitted when one puts an electrical charge through a vacuum tube filled with argon gas. Within the process of painting this Russell started viewing the graph as a landscape. The light color that is the brightest (highest peak) developed into a castle on a hill as viewed through a light fog. The result is a work that represents an accurate depiction of the graph with a nod to a classiscal romantic landscape.
Acrylic on canvas 12” x 8” $350
MICHELLE SNECK Currently Resides in Houston, TX About the Artist Doctoral Candidate, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology | 2011-Present William Marsh Rice University M.A. in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology | 2012 William Marsh Rice University M.A. Thesis: Evolutionary Responses to Global Change: An experimental test of the eect of altered precipitation on hybridization rates in the sunflower (Helianthus). B.S. in Biology | 2011 University of Nevada, Reno Honors Thesis: Isolation in the desert: A Phylogenetic study of the Pallid dotted-Blue butterfly (Euphilotes pallescens)
TAS Member Since 2012 TAS Section Interest(s) Evolution Terrestrial Ecology
Desert Blues MICHELLE SNECK
Photographic print | 2012 8" x 10" $20
Artist Statement Deserts are often characterized as arid wastelands, devoid of biodiversity. However, studying Great Basin b u t t e r fl i e s t a u g h t S n e c k otherwise. She had the joy of spending summers collecting b l u e b u t t e r fl i e s ( F a m i l y Lycaenidae) and she found their diversity inspiring. More biodiversity exists on this earth than we have characterizedmore than we may ever know. In the photo, a lone Acmon blue (Plebejus acmon) rests for a moment to warm its wings. Its presence, like our own, represents the tip of a phylogenetic tree. It is a discrete evolutionary unit. However, it has a shared and most-likely reticulate evolutionary history with all other life on earth.
Normal Bedfellows MICHELLE SNECK Artist Statement North American sunflowers (genus Helianthus) are known for their great diversity and ability to hybridize. Sneck’s interest in gene flow, within and between species, draws her to this sunburst, composite annual (Helianthus annuus). Pollinators such as the monarch (Danaus plexippus) act as the transporters of pollen across the environment, making interspecific hybridization possible. Sneck was drawn to this scene because of the saturated warm colors of both the nectaring butterfly and ray flowers, which make for a beautiful contrast against the crisp, cloudless afternoon sky.
Photographic print | 2011 8" x 10" $30
Symmetric In Design MICHELLE SNECK Artist Statement I n t h e fi e l d S n e c k i s sometimes struck by the overwhelming beauty and natural symmetry of her study organisms. The radial golden ratio of the sunflower’s disk flowers provides nutrients for the probing monarch (Danaus plexippus), which can spread and contract its wings in a dance of visual replication.
Photographic print | 2011 8" x 10" $30
Beauty In Stillness MICHELLE SNECK Artist Statement The need for replication turns organisms into accession numbers and data points. Even after catching hundreds of butterflies, Sneck seldom took the time to appreciate the beauty and variation in their wing patterns- how the scales collectively create an almost ethereal pattern. After taking this photo, she was struck by the variation in color on the underside of the monarch’s wing. Sneck was reminded to observe the individual uniqueness of each organism, as they are both nodes in a larger interconnected network of life that create the systems we study and sources of beauty and awe- the result of millions of years of natural selection. .
Photographic print | 2011 8" x 10" $30
KATHLEEN WOOD Currently Resides in Troy, TX About the Artist Ph.D. in Biomedical Studies | 1999 Baylor University-Waco, TX Molecular genetics; research projects in plant viral evolution/risk assessment and in antisense design to prevent or retard viral infection with applicability to animal cell systems. M.A. in Microbiology | 1981 University of Texas at Austin B.S. in Microbiology | 1977 Texas A & M University- College Station, TX Professor and Chair, Department of Biology University of Mary Hardin-Baylor- Belton, Texas 1999-Present
TAS Member Since 2007 TAS Section Interest(s) Botany Cell & Molecular Biology
Memories Of Guam KATHLEEN WOOD Artist Statement While living on Guam, Wood spent a lot of time snorkeling around the beautiful reefs and collecting marine fish for her tanks. All of the designs on this quilt represent organisms that she collected. Guam is also where Wood learned to do batik. Batik is an ancient fabric dyeing method using wax to create patterns and designs. Both the fish she collected in this region and this ancient form of fabric dyeing seem to organically come together in this quilt. .
Batik on muslin, hand quilted | 2008 103” x 102” Not for sale
INKED ANIMAL ADAM COHEN + BEN LABAY Currently Reside in Austin, Texas About the Artists Adam Cohen and Ben are fish biologists at the Texas Natural History Collections in Austin, Texas. Since 2007 they have been working together in their spare time making unique fish and animal prints based on the gyotaku Japanese printmaking technique. Adam grew up in Houston, Texas in a family that encouraged exploration and adventures into neighborhood ditches to collect plants and animals for aquaria. He developed a strong interest in aquaria and has since coupled that interest with a unique artistic style. Adam currently works fulltime at the Texas Natural History Collections in Austin. Ben also grew up in the Houston vicinity with many opportunities to explore nature and fish with friends and family. His family has been fishing out of Galveston and Matagorda Bays with him since he was a toddler. He now has a masters in aquatic resources and works as a fish biologist at the University of Texas at Austin.
TAS Members Since 2004 (Adam Cohen) TAS Section Interest(s) Freshwater Science
Grey Fox | Urocyon Cinereoargenteus INKED ANIMAL Artist Statement
Acrylic spray paint, watercolor and colored pencil on paper | 2008 90” x 36” $1,055
White-tailed Deer (Skull) | Odocoileus virginianus INKED ANIMAL Artist Statement Printed much larger than life, this print allows you to observe the details of the deer’s skull. This includes the articulation of the jawbone and the flat teeth at the back of the mouth, which allow the deer to grind tough plant material. Unlike most mammals, deer lack upper front teeth and use the teeth on the front of the lower jaw to collect food. The original Gyotaku-style print was made with clay on tissue paper.
Giclée print on canvas | 2012 26” x 44” $450
Northern Shoveler 8 |Â Anas clypeata INKED ANIMAL Artist Statement This original Gyotaku-style impression of a Northern Shoveler (Anas clypeata) hen was created using enamel paint and watercolor paint on paper. Described by Linnaeus in 1758, these migratory dabbling ducks inhabit wetlands across much of North America. Their distinctive shovel-shaped bill features fine combs called lamellae that filter food from the water. This print demonstrates how far back the wings are set on the body of this migratory bird. Locality: Carlton Lake, Eastland Co., Texas
Acrylic, enamel spray paint and colored pencil on paper | 2013 24" x 24" $860
Mexican Free-tailed Bat 2 | Tadarida brasiliensis INKED ANIMAL Artist Statement The original Gyotaku-style print of Tadarida brasiliensis was created with enamel paint and clay on white paper. The colors were inverted digitally to make the bat appear as if it is flying through the night sky. The reddish-orange clay appears as blue while the black enamel paint appears white. This is a very common species in central Texas, and o f t e n fi n d s r o o s t s i n underneath bridges, including the South Congress bridge in Austin, Texas. Locality: Waller Creek greenbelt, Austin, Travis County, Texas
Giclée print on paper | 2011 11” x 14” $265 framed
Sheepshead | Arcosargus probatocephalus INKED ANIMAL Artist Statement The Sheepshead is a common m a r i n e fi s h w h o s e d i e t consists of oysters, clams, barnacles, crabs, and other crustaceans. It has a hard mouth, with several rows of stubby teeth, which help crush the shells of its prey. The original Gyotaku print was made with India ink, watercolor and pen on paper. Locality: Carancahua Bay, Jackson County, Texas
Giclée print on canvas | 2008 24" x 16" $295
HAYLEY GILLESPIE Currently Resides in Austin, Texas About the Artist Artist and scientist Hayley Gillespie uses a variety of media, including ceramics, collage, drawing and printmaking to create works that are often inspired by her activities a biologist. Her body of work combines her fields of science, natural history and art through content, purpose, craft and materials and includes depictions of scientists, native species, scientific data as well as satirical and playful drawings and prints. Hayley earned a B.A. in Biology with minors in art and environmental studies from Austin College (Sherman, Texas) in 2003 and a Ph.D. in Ecology, Evolution & Behavior from the University of Texas at Austin in 2011 where she studied the ecology and conservation of the endangered Barton Springs Salamander.
TAS Members Since 2013 TAS Section Interest(s) Conservation Ecology Freshwater Science Science Education
Carolina Chickadee | Poecile carolinensis HAYLEY GILLESPIE
Ink and colored pencil on paper | 2012 5” x 7” $100
Artist Statement The Carolina chickadee (Poecile carolinensis) are cavity-nesting birds. Insects form a large part of their diet, especially in summer; seeds and berries become important in winter. The Carolina Chickadee is a winter resident in Texas, and they forage in mixed-species flocks. Carolina Chickadees are monogamous, and pairs stay together for many years, if not permanently. Pairs remain together throughout the winter on their territory, and they defend their territory year round. This illustration was created for a course in bird illustration at Laguna Gloria Art School in which the artist applied colored pencil in layers to render the texture of feathers.
Bastrop County Relief Service HAYLEY GILLESPIE Artist Statement This teapot is a model of Bastrop County, Texas, showing both the surface relief, vegetative landscape and the groundwater geology. With this piece, Gillespie hopes to illustrate the importance of water and climate in shaping the ecology of Bastrop County and the Lost Pines ecosystem. Like this teapot, Bastrop County’s aquifers are vessels for water that are crucial to the functioning of the Lost Pines and for providing ecosystem services. The lid to the teapot is in the shape of the Bastrop County Complex Fire burn scar, which reminds us of the fragility of this ecosystem during times of drought.
Ceramic with wood ash glaze using ashes and reclaimed metal from the Bastrop County Complex Fire | 2012 8” x 10” x 12” $250 (all proceeds benefit the Lost Pines Recovery Team)