Neurosci + Art

As a psychology major my cognitive psychology classes have been extremely helpful in better understanding and appreciating the complexity of neurons in a new way, and now, after Professor Vesna’s lectures I have an all new perspective and appreciation. Looking at numerous diagrams of neurons from my text books I’ve always thought they were amazing, but seeing what they actually look like, it’s no wonder artists are inspired by the intricacy and diversity of neurons. This is why Ramon y Cajal’s quote, “Only artists are attracted to science,” (Vesna) really strikes me. I have great respect for his talents in art and his knowledge and discovery in science, it is inspirational to others who are also so drawn to both fields of interest, which brings me to the article by Frazzetto and Anker and how they talked about neuroscience as a culture of scientists and the public working together in this world of uncertainty to answer the questions that neuroscience beings up. In doing so they say that aspects of our individuality will be revealed (Frazzetto & Anker 2009). I especially appreciated how they mentioned ethical implications because the treatment of participants in experiments should be an important concern for all experimenters and scientists. 

This also reminded me of Ruth Leaf. She was a local printmaker who is well known for her etching and woodcarving prints. I think of her when I think of what Ramon y Cajal said because Leaf created this third image titled “Exited Synapse,” the bottom left print. Leaf’s work is always striking and beautiful, but to produce her art she had an extensive knowledge of science and the formulas for grounds and inks (Leaf 1976) required to make such intricate and stunningly colored prints. The book she wrote, Intaglio Printmaking Techniques, is extremely technical and would probably draw interest of anyone who enjoys working with chemicals in a lab.

  

 

Works Cited:

Cajal, Ramon. Golgi-Stained Retinal Neurons. Digital image. Webvision. 1892. Web. 14 May 2015. <http://webvision.med.utah.edu/book/part-ii-anatomy-and-physiology-of-the-retina/oute-plexiform/>.

Frazzetto, Giovanni, and Suzanne Anker. "Neuroculture." Nature Reviews: Neuroscience 10 (2009): 815-21. Macmillan Publishers Limited. Web. 13 May 2015.

Mastin, Luke. "Neurons & Synapses - Memory & the Brain - The Human Memory." Neurons & Synapses - Memory & the Brain - The Human Memory. Luke Mastin, 2010. Web. 17 May 2015. <http://www.human-memory.net/brain_neurons.html>.

Leaf, Ruth. "Formulas for Grounds and Inks." Intaglio Printmaking Techniques. New York: Watson-Guptil Publications, 1976. Print.

Leaf, Ruth. Microscopic World E: Nerve Cell, Cilia Cell, Excited Synapse, Primordial Cell. Digital image. Ruth Leaf Printmaker. Web. 13 May 2015. <http://ruthleaf.com/prints/microscopic-worlds-2/>.

Vesna, Victoria. “Neuroscience-pt1.mov” UC online program. Youtube, 17 May 2012. Web. 12 May 2015. < https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TzXjNbKDkYI&hd=1>.