” Art + Design are poised to transform our economy in the 21st century just as science and technology did in the last century.”

-STEM to STEAM

Why do we draw, if this is a STEAM program?

Is a very important question that has been researched and analyzed ever since the development of STEAM. It is also a question often asked to me, by some of the most bright and talented students. In a world of mechanical engineering, app development and innovation, the role of art and design is blurred. Design is where the scientific process begins, marrying math and formulaic drawings to create blueprints and models is the root of archetecture. At times, “Where science ends, art begins,” 

“When the chemist has prepared the sheet, the artist directs the lens and the three torches of observation, feeling and reasoning guide the study of nature; photography invokes effects that make us dream, simple patterns excite us, powerful and bold silhouettes that surprise and frighten us…. We are now convinced that it is less difficult to reproduce than it is to learn to see nature…. Before, the challenge was to replicate nature; today it is to choose from within nature.”

– Charles Nègre (via StemtoSteam.org @ RISD)

The above is an example of how the artist uses scientific knowledge in making art.

So it’s a simple practice the A in STEAM, that we utilize drawing, painting, music and cultural studies, to drive scientific innovation. We draw to percolate the mind and open us up to new horizons. To forge brand new paths to success.