For the most part, scientific illustration is a comparatively conservative field.  Perhaps the most basic definition of scientific illustration is “images created to help facilitate communication among scientists.”  If this were the sole definition, then accuracy, clarity, and an understanding of what scientists need and want might be the only “givens” to consider.  However, almost since “true” scientific illustration emerged during the Renaissance, it is not scientists alone who were the recipients of the information that can be conveyed by drawings of scientific subject matter.  Today, audiences for scientific illustration include children, adult members of the general public and students of all ages and levels, as well as scientists (natural, physical and social).  

GNSI Conference: Making Social Connections

by Scott Rawlins

In this age of information with instant messaging and “fingertouch” communication, it’s sometimes hard to imagine a world where the best ways to connect with distant relatives, friends and colleagues was by mailed letters and long-distance phone calls.  One of the reasons why the Guild came into existence was to provide easier communication among members and to give them a venue to hone skills, share experiences and strengthen friendships.  Probably the best way to achieve this goal is participation in the annual conference.  
 
Despite advances in technology that allow for faster, more effective communication, there is no substitute for face-to-face interactions.  This is especially obvious to those of us who have been most profoundly affected by the social consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic.  While it’s true that social and professional network sites such as Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, etc. are somewhat effective substitutes for real-time, in-person interactions, and our recent conferences have offered chances for those who cannot travel to connect on a personal level to a degree, there is something special about being able to occupy the same space as those with whom you are socializing.
 
Guild conferences have always provided members with numerous opportunities to connect – with friends and colleagues who really understand what scientific illustration is about and are familiar with the joys and concerns experienced by those of us who are not exactly scientists and not exactly fine artists (though there are those who are both and those who are neither).  It has been said that in order to advance in the world it’s important to cultivate relationships – it’s “who you know” that is most important.  While this might sound somewhat cynical, the truth is that at Guild conferences this kind of networking requires no effort.  Friendship, mentorship, collegiality and comradeship are givens.  The past two years have alerted us to the value of personal interaction – whether in person or online.  Let’s continue to connect through our local chapter and group meetings and especially events like annual conferences!

GNSI Local Chapters: https://www.gnsi.org/local-chapters

Learn a New Skill, Make New Connections, Renew Your Passion! 

Core Conference: July 17–18, 2021; Workshops: July 24–25, 2021 

- with Scott Rawlins

The Geography of the GNSI

What GNSI Conference Planning Is About
by Britt Griswold

It all starts with an urge to give your GNSI friends a place to gather. Then you remember all the cool things you could show them. Then you remember the connections you have to your local institutions and suddenly you think “my friends and I could do this!” Fortunately, the Guild has developed a sophisticated set of tools to help you plan and organize talks, workshops and field trips, along with the celebration of the Guild family gathering each year.

The 2019 GNSI and AMBI Members' Digital Exhibit: Rendering Science - Clarity and Concepts, is now available to view in the GNSI website image galleries. This excellent exhibit combined GNSI and AIMBI member’s work, showcasing traditional and digital illustration, photography and animation entries. From July 1 - July 7, the exhibit displayed across 5 projection panels in the main entrance of the Queensland Museum, and also in the auditorium adjacent to the main entrance.

The evening of the exhibit opening started with a water taxi tour on the Brisbane River, from Women’s College to downtown Brisbane. Walking to the museum from the water taxi stop included a look at the pelican bronzes by Leonard and Kathleen Shillam, an inner-city beach and lagoon, and a treetop squabble between a ring-tailed possum and a fruit bat! The exhibit reception was a highlight of our exceptional conference experience in Australia.

Tuesday, July 2nd, 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM, H. Marks Hall, Women's College. 

The annual GNSI auction is always a conference highlight, full of anticipation, suspense, and excitement!  The 2019 auction will be no different, although there will be some important things to take into consideration this year. Due to the greater distances traveled by many attendees, we will not be able to transport medium to large auction items. Instead, we will focus on small items that fit easily into luggage, AND a whole new suite of non-tangible items this year!  Start thinking about experiences that you might like to offer, such as:

The GNSI and AMBI Members' Digital Exhibit - Call for Entries is Open!

Rendering Science - Clarity and Concepts

GNSI is excited to join with the AIMBI (Australian Institute of Medical and Biological Illustration) for our 2019 Conference Exhibit, digitally displayed at the Queensland Museum in Brisbane, opening reception July 1, 2019, at 7 pm.

GROW YOUR SKILLS. EXPAND YOUR NETWORK. INSPIRE CURIOSITY.

Each summer, the Guild of Natural Science Illustrators hosts a fun-filled week for artists, scientists, and educators from across the nation. The GNSI Annual Conference offers endless opportunities for brainstorming, professional development, and sharing local attractions alongside some of the brightest individuals in our field.  

With 160–200 attendees, every event provides enough diversity to catalyze great conversations and address different skill levels and interests while ensuring a comfortable environment for interacting and networking.

The deadline for abstracts is coming up!  

Please note that the abstract submission process will be a little different this year than it has been in recent years.  If you would like to be considered for a presentation, panel, workshop or spot in the Techniques Showcase, please fill out the form here and upload your abstract.  Abstracts are due by February 28, 2019.  

In preparation for the 2019 Annual Conference in Brisbane (Queensland, Australia), June 29 through July 6, the Conference Oversight Committee put together initial research and tips for planning your flight. 

Flight Travel Tips - a reference for finding flights on your own, and what you can expect in terms of fares. Download PDF here.

2018 GNSI Conference: Washington, DC

Guild of Natural Science Illustrators 50th Anniversary Conference Group Photo in the Kenneth E. Behring Family Hall Rotunda of the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History on July 18, 2018. You can find a running list of the photo IDs here: https://2018.conf.gnsi.org/merchandise/group-photo-id

AAAS announces the 2018 GNSI Members Exhibit with an article and videos

GNSI invites you to join us live on Facebook for a Conference Plenary session. Be a part of the GNSI Conference!

10:30 am July 17, 2018