Valley Oak, Study 4
Copyright Terry Nathan 2007
Smoke Dance, Study 29
Copyright Terry Nathan 2007
(Spring 2008, 3 units)
“I have found a way of fixing the images of the camera! I have seized the fleeting light and imprisoned it! I have forced the sun to paint pictures for me!” (Louis Daguerre, circa 1839)
Since Daguerre “imprisoned” light more than 160 years ago, photography has been embraced by both art and science. Beginning with centuries-old experiments in optics and chemistry to the present-day digital revolution, the camera has not only relied on science for its development, it has been an essential scientific tool for probing and documenting the natural world. In the hands of the artist, the camera has heightened our awareness of the aesthetic qualities of space and light while revealing hidden truths about culture and society.
In this course photography is used to explore the common ground between art and science. Because of its nearly universal accessibility, photography provides unique opportunities to educate and enlighten about the broad scientific and aesthetic principles that underlie creativity and discovery in both art and science. Topics will include a journey through photographic history, creativity and aesthetics, principles of photographic composition, principles of space, time and light, and photographic interpretation and documentation of the environment. Students will have opportunities to discover their own creative potential through hands-on photography projects.
[A camera is required, though the quality of the camera is not important. An inexpensive disposable camera will suffice.]
June 22, 2007
Terry Nathan