Reading list
Bahn, Paul G. 2016. Images of the Ice Age. Oxford University Press, USA.
I found this book rather useful in laying the foundation of how we started scientific communication in many ways through art. Having a good book that can provide science as well as offer a viewpoint of interpretation often leads to asking the right questions. By examining the earliest examples of Physiology in art we are able to determine Significant amount of observation was required to create these representations.
Donald, Diana, and Jane Munro. 2009. Endless Forms: Charles Darwin, Natural Science and the Visual Arts. Yale University Press.
This is a rather interesting book about Darwin and his impact not only on science but the art world. It provides much back story and insight that is often missed in a traditional science book. I found chapter 5 to be of particular interest As he discusses how categorization began helping us understand observation led largely to taxonomy at the beginning.
Fairman, Elisabeth R. 2014. Of Green Leaf, Bird, and Flower: Artists’ Books and the Natural World. Yale University Press.
This was a required reading that I originally did not think I was going to get much out of however understanding different artist process gave me the idea for some of the steampunk elements in my projects. Being able to express the depth of your understanding in ways that is not traditional can be an important growth tool for many students. This book has a significant amount of art both traditional and not that helps expand upon this idea.
Hall, Brian K. 2001. Homology: The Hierarchical Basis of Comparative Biology. Academic Press.
For anyone needing a refresher on physiology and comparative biology I dusted off this old classic from my bookshelf. Unlike the other material here I would not necessarily consider this an easy read button necessary material to bridge the gap between art and biology.
Pointon, Marcia R. 1990. Naked Authority: The Body in Western Painting, 1830-1908.
This is a rather interesting collection will examine the human body most specifically the female human body. This is interesting when you're trying to understand how form and proportion work within a work of art. While it may not be recommended for the classroom this teacher read is quite advantageous Especially when you're working with students attempting to create the skin textures required in some of the projects.
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