Response to NanoART Press Release by Dr. Johnson Gao

[Judith]

Cristain suggested that I post this for the group. Since we are just
at the beginning of introducing NanoART to the public, I think this
discussion is important. Please add your comments at our Google
Group.

To Dr. Johnson Gao

I read your article at Nanotech-Now and also on the blog and found it
quite confusing as an artist. First you have trouble defining Nano
Art, and then conclude that the artist must study the science before
they can create their interpretations of the nano scans. Then you
proceed to berate the artists work as not resembling the original
scans provided. It sounds like you would prefer that the artists just
add layers of color to the scans which does not involve true artist
renderings, nor would it be considered art.


Nano means 'dwarf', a very small scale of science that cannot be
viewed without an STM or AFM microscope.


Original Art created from images provided from the Nano scale of
Science is NanoArt.


Art is the unique creative interpretation of shapes and forms derived
from the imagination, inner vision and innate creativity to turn those
shapes from the scan (exterior world) into their personal mental
experiences through physical renderings. An astute understanding of
inner energy and outer energy is required and for great art an
intensification and magnification of both elements. Artists see and
feel the images as they are creating them and strive for value
fulfillment which is the search for excellence in their work.


This type of excellence need not be structured to fit into any given
area such as science, intellect, physical or emotional, as it is
reflected in all areas and by its mere existance serves as a model of
achievement for judging purposes.


The artists that participated truly exhibit this type of excellence.
Images at the nano scale are just entering the consciousness of the
public as a new window to nature. Humans have a fascination with space
itself, where there is nothing to touch, no shapes to perceive. This
also stimulates the artists curiosity about shapes: the urge to touch,
to explore, to feel edges and smooth places. Therefore, bringing the
nano scale images into the world of art will introduce the public to a
dimension of our reality that they have not seen.


I am most concerned about the implications that were put forth in your
letter as we are planning on opening the exhibit to children in the
near future. Drawing is the simplist form of art for children and
allows them to express forms and shapes they see mentally using their
inner creativity. If the structure is set that inhibits a natural
expression of their ability to share these drawings in physical form,
then we will not be successful in introducing them to the small world
of nano. These methods are already being developed in primary grades
1-6 in China. It is important that children around the world get to
see the images from the STM and are encouraged to express their
creative vision from those shapes.


In conclusion, I ask that you not set structured limits for artists
based on your own view and interpretation of the nano scale of
science. Creativity needs to be encouraged and accepted for any art to
be appreciated as a cultural benefit. Scientists that work with these
microscopes already know how exciting this window to nature has
become. It is now time to share it with the rest of the world through
the vision of artists that can express the beauty with excellence.


Respectfully,
Judith