.aesthetic talk
Dana Montlack on Art and Science
*Microscopic Worlds
written + interview Jonathan Bergstrom
As both an interdisciplinary biospheric artist and researcher, Dana Montlack bridges the gap between art and science.
Montlack's work, distinguished by its unique composite style and mixed media, urges viewers to see the unity of all living things and to reflect on our environmental impact. Her work has been exhibited in museums and galleries worldwide, including the Whitney Marine Biology Research Center, Atlantis The Palm in Dubai, and the Museum of Contemporary Art in San Diego. Alongside her artistic career, she is also a devoted educator, teaching Visual Arts and Contemporary Art History at Georgia State University. We had the chance to talk with Montlack about the challenges of translating science into art, her deep affection for the ocean, and how art can bring awareness to the wider public about the state of the environment.
Dana Montlack
SIO-24. Sea snail, Venus comb murex
topographic and bathymetric map of the Sea of Cortez
Dana Montlack
SIO-75. Giant Kelp, Gulf of California
Sea Nettle tendrils
Jonathan Bergstrom
I understand that your grandfather played a pivotal role in shaping your career path. Can you share more about his influence and the ways he impacted your journey?
Dana Montlack
Both my grandparents were hugely influential in my life and career. My grandfather was a physician in Cleveland, Ohio. When I was 15, he took me under his wing and taught me how to take and develop X-rays in his office, probably to keep me out of trouble. My grandmother was a dancer who left Akron, Ohio, at 15 to pursue a career in dancing with the American Ballet School in NYC. They were a continuous stream of encouragement, emphasizing that falling and getting up again and again is part of the journey.
What is your method for merging art and scientific elements in your interdisciplinary work?
I merge artistic and scientific elements, propelled by a relentless pursuit of understanding and decoding nature's secrets. I perceive each layer as an intriguing challenge to uncover, akin to sifting through the layers of sediments on the seafloor, excavating soil strata or deciphering the growth rings of a tree. Importantly, I thrive on collaborative efforts, as they not only provide ongoing personal and intellectual development opportunities but also foster a sense of shared achievement.
Can you walk us through your process for creating your composite imagery pieces?
I am inspired by geological locations, species that one cannot see with the naked eye and the behavior of particular animals like the octopus, bower bird, and the waggle dance of honey bees. Then I do a deep dive to know everything about the area, species, etc. I take hundreds of photographs, both microscopic and macroscopic, including archival maps, topographics and bathymetrics. I juxtapose this with scientific data using layers of information, often drawing and painting on top of photographs and reincorporate that into the final image.
What difficulties do you encounter in making scientific concepts accessible to viewers through visual art?
The allure of abstract ideas and forms is undeniable, and I've come to realize that it can pose a challenge for many. Viewers often find it difficult to extract information from abstraction, leading them to overlook its significance. To tackle this, I've started incorporating subtle hints in my work, be it in the title or a quote, to nudge viewers towards their own understanding.
“I merge artistic and scientific elements, propelled by a relentless pursuit of understanding nature's secrets. Collaborative efforts foster ongoing personal and intellectual development and a sense of shared achievement.”
Dana Montlack speaks with Jonathan Bergstrom
LE MILE .Digital
Dana Montlack
W-30. Southern goose barnacles, jellyfish polyps, Catostylus blue blubber jellyfish
Chromogenic print mounted on acrylic, 24 in x 48 in
What do you think the microscopic world can tell us about our daily lives?
The microscopic world creates curiosity and awe, prompting us to ask questions and wonder about the unseen aspects of the world around us. By examining the intricate details at a microscopic level, we can better understand the world around us and how it impacts our daily experience.
Is it challenging to maintain scientific accuracy while also conveying artistic creativity?
It is less about accuracy and more about my understanding of the science and the narrative I want to create. The images are multi-layered and complex. Sometimes I get lost in the creative process and forget some of the essential data I have encompassed. It’s more about remembering which data and imagery I’ve included; at a certain point the images are not recognizable.
Your work can be seen in Waves of Wonder at the Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum in Savannah, Georgia through September 2024. Can you tell us more about it?
My work there draws its inspiration from the delicate and captivating interplay between land and sea. This exploration is a testament to the vulnerability and resilience of coastal ecosystems, where the ebb and flow of tides reveal a hidden world of diverse life forms and intricate interactions. This opportunity was awarded by the Georgia Sea Grant, NOAA, and the assistance from Dr. Mona Behl (UGA), Dr. Joel Kotska (Georgia Tech), and the Imaging Core Facility (GSU).
What draws you to the ocean as a central theme in your work?
My work is a tribute to the ocean, a testament to its scientific and sensory significance. The ocean is where I find clarity and grounding. The thick, invigorating salty air keeps me present. The sight of the vast, ever-changing sea brings me calm.
Scientifically, the ocean is a lifeline for our planet, shaping weather patterns, providing a home for countless species, and generating a significant portion of the oxygen we breathe. Sensory-wise, the ocean's sounds, smells, and sights are a wellspring of inspiration for my creativity. By infusing the ocean into my art, I strive to share its beauty and importance, fostering a deeper appreciation and a call to action to protect this invaluable resource.
You have collaborated with scientists from institutions such as the Scripps Institution of Oceanography. How has that experience been for you?
I am deeply honored by my collaborations with scientists at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography and others around the globe. I am grateful for the time and insights these scientists share with me, as each interaction is a relationship that informs my work. I continue to work with scientists, finding kindred spirits in their curious pursuit of understanding and interpreting the world around us.
Scientists’ approach to rigorous research and dedication to uncovering truths about our natural world inspires me every day. It is a privilege to witness their commitment firsthand and to translate their findings into visual narratives that can resonate with a broader audience. This collaboration has reinforced my belief in the power of interdisciplinary efforts to address and solve some of the most pressing environmental challenges we face today.
How do you think art can influence people’s perspectives on environmental issues?
Art can transform how people perceive and interact with the environment, encouraging a more thoughtful, informed, and proactive approach to environmental stewardship. It can also illustrate the interconnectedness of all species and ecosystems, emphasizing the importance of biodiversity and the impact of human actions on the environment.
Lastly, art can be an educational resource, making scientific concepts and data more accessible and understandable, as well as a lasting record of the state of the environment, preserving the beauty of natural landscapes and documenting environmental changes over time.
Beyond the art world, what or who inspires you? Are there any rituals or activities that connect you with creativity?
The philosophers Wittgenstein and Paul Feyerabend have had a profound influence on my thinking and continue to be relevant in our present culture. Wittgenstein’s work, particularly his concept of rule-following in the Philosophical Investigations, resonates with me as I see the growth of natural language coding as closely aligned with this idea. At the same time, Feyerabend’s realisation that science is a belief system like any other and is shaped by culture, but is not necessarily hierarchically progressive, helps to balance my perspective and encourages me to think critically about the role of science in society. These philosophers have provided me with valuable insights and have helped me to think more deeply about the nature of language, knowledge, and the ways in which we understand and engage with the world.
What impact do you hope your artwork will have?
As an artist, I am driven by a profound purpose to ignite curiosity and inspire a deeper understanding of the Earth's need for protection, shedding light on both its visible and invisible aspects, which is why I often underscore the interconnectedness and interdependence of all species for survival. By bringing these critical issues to the forefront, I urge individuals to introspect on their relationship with nature and to actively contribute to its preservation for future generations.
Dana Montlack
C-17. Coral, ocean, netting, seaweed, cells, giant kelp
Photograph printed on archival paper
“Art can transform how people perceive and interact with the environment, encouraging a more thoughtful, informed approach to environmental stewardship and emphasizing the interconnectedness of all species and ecosystems.”
Dana Montlack speaks with Jonathan Bergstrom
LE MILE .Digital
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all images (c) Wolfe von Lenkiewicz Studio