Reviewed by annieb123 on
Exploring Science and Art is an intriguing look at the interconnections between STE(A)M and our perceptions of both art -and- science presented by Mary Kirsch Boehm. Released 1st July by City of Light, it's 224 pages and is available in paperback format.
This is a layman accessible examination of the intersection and interplay between the arts and sciences and how creativity is necessary and indelibly entwined with the pursuit of advances in both. It's an academic work, written by a professional educator and as such, is exhaustively annotated. It's not at all dry however, and readers who are interested in the subject matter will find a great deal of well presented information to ponder here.
The subject matter is presented in a logical progression: from the larger overarching themes (interconnectedness and relationships between science and art and the similarities between methods of thinking) to specifics of materials & techniques, light and color, conservation (fascinating info here, including copious notes for further reading), and the nature of matter including biodiversity and weather, biology, and astronomy and how they've defined and informed art and science.
This is a fascinating and information dense work. It's not light reading, by any stretch, but it is fascinating and well worth a look for readers interested in the subjects. It would make an excellent course instruction for wide ranging subjects - a science heavy book for artists/students, and a look at art with an artistic sensibility which will challenge STEM folks.
Four and a half stars. It would be a good choice for public or university library acquisition or as a resource for related classroom instruction (at post secondary level). It's admittedly a niche book, but very well done.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes
Reading updates
- Started reading
- Finished reading
- 16 October, 2022: Reviewed