Entomology: Art Science Fusion

The Introduction to Entomology, the study of insects, art and science fusion class at UC Davis provides an avenue for science majors to explore the realm of art and art majors to explore science. As a design student partaking in this course, the textiles lab portion has provided a special opportunity to create artworks based on insects and learn about their subtle role within the art world. In addition, the textiles lab was a great way to put to use design thinking and understand the design process. This quarter, the main focus was on the European honey bee and its eusocial nature, or social societal behavior. Before an art piece began, observations, research, and preliminary sketches on specific honey bee topics were made, and then, a final rough sketch was turned in for approval. After that, a number of processes took place such as, color testing, critiques of art work, and revisions of the final draft. In the end, the final product conveyed the appreciation of honey bees, their interaction with humans, and their important role within the ecosystem.
This entomology class has given me a taste of what it is like to be a real designer and what is to come in the future. The main art project simulated a design commission because it was given constraints, specific clients, and a deadline.

(Bee hive cells painted on silk with watercolor and resist; original artwork by yours truly)