I chose my artists (Vincent Van Gogh) by looking at artist I previously knew or had heard about. Then, I decided which one’s artwork I liked the best and would want to portray the principles of design that we discussed in class. My artwork related to Vincent Van Gogh’s “Starry Night” due to the technique I used called pointillism. Pointillism is a technique that uses small dots and strokes to create a cohesive image. I used different colors that contrasted with each other and created a different scenery than “Starry Night”. During the process, I added more colorful lines so that there would be less white space, so it would create a more cohesive drawing.
For this assignment, we were tasked with creating the word “ChemVas” using the Sketchpad digital platform. The goal was to design typography that visually represents a blend of Chemistry and Visual Arts through the creative use of symbols, materials, and digital tools. To successfully complete this project, we had to thoughtfully incorporate various elements that reflected both subjects, such as chemistry equipment like beakers, test tubes, or molecular structures, alongside artistic tools like paintbrushes, pencils, or color palettes.
Additionally, we were required to apply the artistic concept of value—the range of lightness and darkness in a design—to add depth and visual interest to our typography. By combining these chemistry and art-related symbols with digital design techniques, we created a unique and meaningful representation of the interdisciplinary nature of “ChemVas.”
This assignment challenged us to think critically about how to merge scientific and artistic ideas into a cohesive visual design, improving our understanding of both fields while developing our digital art skills. It was a valuable exercise in creativity, symbolism, and technical proficiency with digital tools.
For this assignment, we were tasked with researching an element of our choice from the periodic table. The goal was to gain a deeper understanding of the element’s properties, uses, and significance in science. After conducting thorough research, we were required to create an atomic model that visually represented the structure of the element, including its protons, neutrons, and electrons.
To complete the project, we first drafted several sketches that incorporated the atomic model within a larger picture. These drafts helped us plan how to creatively display the element’s atomic structure while also including relevant information or imagery connected to the element’s real-world applications or characteristics. After refining our ideas through multiple drafts, we combined the scientific accuracy of the atomic model with artistic design to produce a polished final draft.
This project not only enhanced our knowledge of atomic theory but also encouraged us to develop our artistic and presentation skills by creatively communicating scientific concepts through visual art.
During this project, we were each assigned an element from the periodic table—my element was Selenium. Our task was to first, to research the scientific properties and significance of our assigned element, and second, to explore the artistic concept of mandalas—intricate, symmetrical designs often used to represent unity and balance. Combining these two areas, our group collaborated to create a unique mandala that visually represented the characteristics and symbolism of Selenium.
Together with Maya Aquino, Josiah Rich, and Jackson Humphries, we brainstormed how to incorporate elements such as Selenium’s atomic structure, common uses, and chemical properties into the design of our mandala. We aimed to reflect both the scientific importance of Selenium and the cultural and artistic beauty of mandalas. This required careful planning, creativity, and teamwork as we combined our research findings with artistic techniques.
The final mandala not only showcased our understanding of Selenium but also allowed us to express scientific concepts through a visually captivating and meaningful artwork. This project was a great example of how art and science can intersect, encouraging us to think critically and creatively at the same time.
Borax is a naturally occurring white mineral that consists of alkaline salt deposits. It is commonly used in household products such as cleaning agents and laundry detergents due to its ability to soften water and remove stains. Chemically, borax is a compound made up of boron combined with oxygen and soda (sodium carbonate). Its unique chemical properties make it ideal for experiments involving crystallization.
In our project, we used hot water to dissolve borax powder, creating a supersaturated solution. Heating the water allows more borax to dissolve than would normally be possible at room temperature. As the solution cools, the excess borax begins to crystallize and form solid structures. These crystals grow by attaching themselves to the surface of objects placed in the solution—in this case, pipe cleaners.
My sculptures were particularly dynamic because the pipe cleaners were shaped with curves and twists that mimic the delicate petals of a flower. As the borax crystals formed on these curves, they enhanced the natural flowing shapes, creating beautiful, intricate crystal petals that added texture and depth to the sculpture. This project demonstrated not only the science behind crystallization but also how simple materials can be transformed into visually striking works of art.