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Manipulating the Solvent of Life: Creating Art from Water. Emily Costanzo Art & Organism Senior, American Studies Major, Biology Minor. Water: The Basis of Life. Essential for plants and animals to survive Human Composition Agriculture “Universal” Solvent. Water: Cultural Importance.
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Manipulating the Solvent of Life: Creating Art from Water Emily Costanzo Art & Organism Senior, American Studies Major, Biology Minor
Water: The Basis of Life • Essential for plants and animals to survive • Human Composition • Agriculture • “Universal” Solvent
Art or Science? • The use of technology to manipulate water • Examples: • Artificial Snowflakes • Ice Sculptures • Liquid sculpture • Fountains • Water Art
Snowflakes: Natural Creation “People think a snowflake is just a frozen raindrop, but that’s sleet, just little ice cubes, and not even close to what a snowflake is.” -Kenneth Libbrecht, Physics Professor Shape is based on atmospheric conditions
“Designer Snowflakes” • Kenneth Libbrecht • In a cold chamber • Roughly 45 minutes • Clean glass, microscopic ice crystals, slightly warmer humid air • “No two snowflakes are exactly alike.”
Liquid Sculpture By Martin Waugh
Fountains • Historic • Functional • Decorative • Trivial
Water Art • Water and ink https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lO56UwpyIJk
DEEP Perspective • Examining the artistic properties of water from the DEEP Perspective • Why is this medium being used by scientists and artists alike?
Development • Throughout its lifetime, one molecule of water will undergo many changes • Water is: • Dynamic • Able to change states and return to initial state
Ecology • Colorless • Virtually everywhere • Easy to access • Inexpensive • Easy to manipulate the environment • Temperature, Humidity, etc.
Evolution • Water is constant • Covers about 70% of the planet • Opportunities provided by technology • Wilson Bentley, 1885 photograph • Patricia Rasmussen, 2010 photograph • Liquid Sculpture by Martin Waugh
Physiology • The ability to exist in three states • Cohesion and adhesion • High level of surface tension • Capillary action
References • Stromberg, Joseph. "The Art and Science of Growing Snowflakes in a Lab." Smithsonian. Smithsonian Magazine, 5 Dec. 2013. Web. 12 Apr. 2014. • Waugh, Martin. "Water Drop Stock and Fine Art Photography." Liquid Sculpture. Web. 14 Apr. 2014. • "We Need Your Help!” 10 Dec. 2013. Web. 11 Apr. 2014.