I remember vividly when I was leaving my corporate role, to re-integrate poetry and art into my life and everything I worked on, everyone asked me “What Poetry and Science have in common?”
Well, people still ask me the same question! Then, I had a post it I wrote and carried around, on which it was written my truth. It was 2016!
Rachel Carson, with the fierce conviction that both science and literature serve the noble pursuit of truth, earlier than I, embarked on a journey to unveil the mysteries of nature while infusing her prose with the lyrical essence of poetry.
The aim of science is to discover and illuminate truth. And that, I take it, is the aim of literature, whether biography or history or fiction; it seems to me, then, that there can be no separate literature of science." Carson
She writes not merely to inform but to inspire, employing the cadence of verse to captivate her audience and stir their conscience. Carson's prose dances like dappled sunlight upon a forest floor, each word a brushstroke upon the canvas of consciousness.
If there was poetry in her writing, it was not because she 'deliberately put it there' but because no one could write truthfully about nature 'and leave out the poetry. Carson
To divorce science from poetry is to sever the sinews that bind truth and beauty together. For Carson, the essence of nature transcends mere data points; it is a symphony of life, harmonized by the delicate interplay of form and function.
I do not know when and how we convinced ourselves of the existence of rigid boundaries between scientific and artistic disciplines.
Leonardo da Vinci, the quintessential Renaissance polymath, saw no division between his scientific inquiries and artistic pursuits. His anatomical drawings, infused with a sense of reverence for the human form, stand as testament to the marriage of empirical observation and aesthetic appreciation. Similarly, the poet-scientist Goethe, in his "Metamorphosis of Plants," sought to unravel the mysteries of botanical morphology through the lens of poetic intuition. His keen observations of plant life were informed not only by empirical investigation but also by a profound appreciation for the inherent beauty and harmony of the natural world.
There are plenty of examples across cultures, of artists-scientists, at the end of the blog you’ll find a list of just few women who come to mind.
We are called upon to embrace a holistic vision of truth—one that transcends the confines of disciplinary boundaries and embraces the ineffable essence of existence. We are invited to live poetically, to see the world not as a dispassionate observer but as a participant in the grand symphony of life.
For in the poetry of nature, we find solace, inspiration, and the eternal quest for truth.
I invite you to infuse your lives with the lyrical cadence of poetry, to seek truth not as a distant abstraction but as a living, breathing reality. In the fusion of art and science lies the key to unlocking the mysteries of the universe. I invite you to live poetically, and embrace the beauty and harmony of bridging what seems so distant.
My work is devoted to the bridging of Art, Science and Business. Explore my books for a glimpse on a more expansive and wondrous way of seeing our work and the world. Among all check out Artful Entrepreneurship a mindset, a philosophy, and a transformative practice for both human and business development. And, The Poetry of Leadership to tap into the power of imagination and language with integrity and awareness so we can lead effectively self, then others and subsequently change.
If you, like me, felt pressured to choose one single track while wanting to embrace curiosity, expansion, creativity, as promised, a list of just few remarkable women scientists/artists:
Beatrix Potter: Renowned for her beloved children's books featuring characters such as Peter Rabbit, Beatrix Potter was also a skilled natural scientist and conservationist. Her detailed illustrations of plants and animals reflected her keen observational skills and deep appreciation for nature.
Ellen Henrietta Swallow Richards: A pioneering figure in both chemistry and environmental science, Ellen Swallow Richards also expressed her artistic talents through landscape architecture and watercolor painting. She integrated her scientific knowledge with her artistic sensibilities to advocate for public health and environmental conservation.
Hildegard von Bingen: A medieval polymath, Hildegard von Bingen was a visionary abbess, composer, philosopher, and naturalist. She made significant contributions to fields such as medicine, botany, and music, while also creating stunning illuminated manuscripts and mystical artwork.
Sophie Taeuber-Arp: A multidisciplinary artist associated with the Dada and Constructivist movements, Sophie Taeuber-Arp also had a background in mathematics and science. Her abstract paintings, textiles, and sculptures often incorporated geometric forms inspired by her scientific interests.
Anna Atkins: Considered one of the first female photographers, Anna Atkins was also a botanist who made significant contributions to the study of algae. She combined her scientific expertise with her photographic skills to produce the groundbreaking work "Photographs of British Algae: Cyanotype Impressions," considered to be the first book illustrated with photographic images.
Wang Zhenyi: A mathematician, astronomer, and poet during the Qing dynasty, Wang Zhenyi made significant contributions to astronomy and celestial mechanics. She also wrote poetry and essays, showcasing her artistic talents alongside her scientific achievements.
Amrita Sher-Gil: Often referred to as India's Frida Kahlo, Amrita Sher-Gil was a pioneering painter known for her evocative portraits and depiction of Indian rural life. She was also deeply interested in biology and anatomy, reflecting her scientific curiosity alongside her artistic endeavors.
Sophie Redmond: A botanist and educator, Sophie Redmond was the first woman of African descent to earn a doctorate in the Netherlands. She conducted research on Surinamese flora and contributed to the understanding of medicinal plants, while also being an accomplished poet and playwright.
Tessie Naranjo: A ceramic artist and traditional potter, Tessie Naranjo drew inspiration from her cultural heritage to create intricate pottery designs that reflect the natural world. She was also deeply connected to the land and its ecosystems, embodying the intersection of art and environmental science.
Hedy Lamarr: While best known as a Hollywood actress, Hedy Lamarr was also an inventor and scientist. She co-invented frequency-hopping spread spectrum technology, which laid the groundwork for modern wireless communication systems. Lamarr's creative genius extended beyond the silver screen to the realm of scientific innovation.
These women embodied the fusion of scientific inquiry and artistic expression, each leaving an indelible mark on their respective fields while challenging societal norms and inspiring future generations. Their contributions to both science and art enrich our collective understanding of the world and inspire future generations to pursue their passions with courage and creativity. Do not forget them. Do not neglect the way they paved for all of us against all odds.
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