‘Art the Science’ is a very famous thought of a prolific science illustrator David Goodsell, a pioneer in the field of science illustration. The science illustration or scientific illustration is a medium of science communication as well as its popularization. It is an art form for expressing science.
The Science Media Centre at Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Pune hosted a two-day workshop on science illustration dated 27 and 28 November, 2019. The workshop was conducted by Dr. Ipsa Jain (www.ipsawonders.com). Dr. Ipsa Jain is a scientist by training and an artist in spirit. She likes to communicate science through visual art. Dr. Ipsa is currently a freelancer Science Illustrator.
Some of Dr. Ipsa’s illustrations:
This two-days’ workshop at science media centre gave a hands-on experience to the participants and ventured them into the world of science illustrations. The participants learned the basics of science illustration right from its history to its importance in communication and pedagogy. This workshop also delved into science visualization in order to make artistic illustrations. Dr. Ipsa Jain introduced the tools which could be used for creating graphics and pictures. She also conducted few practical sessions on using design tools in developing effective illustrations. All participants actively participated in the workshop.
“This workshop exposed me to a whole new field of work and has opened up opportunities. I also made new friends” said Ms. Pearl D’Souza, one of the workshop participants.
“This workshop opened up my views regarding prospects in the field of science communication. I would like to find myself pursuing it after my graduate studies” said Ms. Aarya Apotikar, another workshop participant.
The workshop witnessed the enthusiastic spirit of the participants. The highly interactive session was much appreciated by Dr. Ipsa Jain.
“It was a privilege to conduct this workshop. I have done workshops but none of it at this scale. Many people applied to this and we selected some 20-22 of them. I am happy that at least people are thinking about doing science illustrations. The engagement with the participants has been great and I am hoping to see what they do.” said Dr. Ipsa Jain.
The workshop session started with making drawings to the beat of music and it ended with a mini exhibition of SciArt posters made by the participants.
The science media centre was delighted to host this science illustration workshop by Dr. Ipsa Jain and would like to thank National Council for Science and Technology Communication (NCSTC), Department of Science and Technology (DST) for their valuable support. We say that this is not the end but the beginning of series of other science communication workshops for popularizing science.
- Article written by Gargi Deshmukh