2011 GNSI JNSI- 40pp. with 8 pp. color
Contents:
Drawing Maya Artifacts in the Jungle
— Sharon Belkin
Abstract: Ten years ago Sharon Belkin began applying skills she had developed for general scientific illustration in medical research to a field new to her—archaeology. An object well-stippled was prized by many a 60s-era publishing researcher, but in today’s multimedia, digital world line-art constraints no longer rule. Her invitation to join the working staff at a “profoundly remote” Pre-Classic Maya site in Guatemala’s Petén opened her eyes to present-day needs for this technique. It also immersed her in the experience of jungle tent living for two to three months at a stretch—the ultimate “summer camp.”
Which One’s the Insect?
Sculpting for an Exhibition Kiosk — Mark A. Klingler and Cathy Klingler
Abstract: The artist was contracted to produce five models of arthropods for an exhibition kiosk that invites visitors to determine which species are insects. The species were chosen not only for visual interest, but also as representatives of their families and how likely those families were to be encountered in nature by the average visitor. Over the course of three months, the models were produced with a brass fixture armature, polymer clay sculpture, and resin cast molds, and finished with traditional painting techniques.
Illustrating Atoms and Molecules
— James Perkins
Abstract: Since atoms are smaller than the wavelength of visible light, it is theoretically impossible to “see” an atom, even with the most powerful microscope. Nevertheless, we recognize that atoms consist of “shells” of electrons buzzing around a central nucleus. Therefore, it’s common to depict an atom as a simple sphere, its diameter proportional to the size of its outermost electron shell. Furthermore, scientists have developed experimental methods, such as x-ray crystallography and NMR spectroscopy, to determine the geometric arrangement of atoms within a molecule. These data can be used to construct three-dimensional models of molecules, but the illustrator must be aware that such a model is an abstract representation and is not meant to show what the molecule really “looks like.”
Advocating for Endangered Species Through Children’s Picture Books
— Bob Palmatier
Abstract: As we face the present challenges of global climate change and an unpredictable global economy, advocates for endangered species often find themselves at a loss for effective avenues of action. This article, including an overview of all the steps from writing and illustration through book production and marketing of independently published children’s picture books, shows one naturalist and educator’s efforts to reach the hearts and minds of children and parents with compelling stories that illustrate the lives and quandaries of native endangered species.
A Sapling in the Field:
CreatIng a Life-LIke Model of the Fossil Tree sphenobaeira — Gary Hoyle
Abstract: During a talk that I gave on plant model making at the 2005 GNSI Conference, I invited Marlene Donnelly, natural science illustrator at the Field Museum in Chicago, to show some artificial leaves that she had created from a paper-backed metal foil for use as studio models in thepreparation of two dimensional reconstructions of the extinct fossil ginkgoalean tree Sphenobaeira. For short term work the foil-paper material served adequately for modeling the general posture ofleaves, but the adhesive that laminated the paper to metal broke down over time, severely compromising the models’ quality. Marlene sought a more permanent solution. Without thinking about how the parallel leaf venation in Sphenobaeira would dictate the materials needed for a natural appearing leaf posture, I suggested that Marlene try a number of relatively easy traditional methods of making artificial leaves.
Over the next few years I heard directly and indirectly from Marlene about difficulties she was having in trying to create Sphenobaeira leaves. Obviously my quick and simple methods of model leaf making were not effective. Intrigued by the problem, I asked Marlene if I could help, and she sent me photos of fossils and copies of her line drawings and 2D color reconstructions of Sphenobaeira leaves. By then I was convinced that the only way to produce a life-like posture in reconstructed Sphenobaeiraleaves was to make the leaves out of a wax-like substance. Normally that would require an initial mold of a real leaf; obviously I couldn’t do that with an extinct plant. However, after considerable experimentation, I was able to devise a workable method of making life-like Sphenobaeira leaves.
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