Today’s lectures dealt with the shapes of atoms, structures, and music.
While atoms are generally represented as spheres, their actual shapes are much more complex. An atom may exist as a dumbbell or a cross, as well as a sphere. A crystal is an
Atoms are not always spheres!
example of an atom that has a fixed repeating structure. The packing (and therefore, the shape) of an atom determines many of its properties, including but not limited to its ductility, hardness, and electronic properties.
One example I particularly liked was the opal. An opal is made up of clusters of nanospheres that reflect light. The colors emitted
PRETTY.
are based on shape and diffraction. Opals would be a perfect subject matter for art. It would be an art piece that utilizes scientific principles in an art form (the best of both). Inverse opals also reflect light, but they are nanovoids.
In addition to our morning lecture, we also went on a few afternoon fieldtrips. One was to the The Fowler Art Museum. Here, I had the opportunity to view aboriginal art for the very first time. The aborigines are Australia’s natives. From the beginning of their existence as a civilization, they have created art for symbolic purposes. Many of these aborigine descendents continue to make art today, much like their ancestors. They still create art because of tradition, but some have also begun to sell their art for profit.
These art pieces are beautiful. The Aborigines’ use of dots and symbols, their abstract qualities, and the vibrant colors used all come together to create a piece that serves a dual purpose. The piece is symbolic and is simultaneously appealing and inspiring.
http://www.infoplease.com/spot/aboriginal1.html
http://webmineral.com/data/Opal.shtml
http://www.aip.org/history/electron/jjhome.htm