Dorothy R. Santos

In recent musings regarding art and technology, digital/multi media arts has given me heart palpitations (in a good way, of course). Innovation is an integral part in bridging communities, cultures, and sub-cultures. A hybrid approach seems to be taking actual data and making it beautiful. Visit Information is Beautiful on the web. Again, exploring both realms can actually serve both Traditional and Digital/Multi-media artists. More recently, memories of Edward Tufte‘s work have been resurfacing from the crevices of my mind. I remember learning about Tufte’s work right out of college when I started the corporate grind. Not only did I find myself fascinated and engaged by statistics (wish that was the case when I was in college), I was able to relate information far better. Visual representation deals with aspects of politics, economics, culture, and society that seem far from my insular understanding of particular topics (i.e., US deficit or when people report break ups on Facebook because THAT is extremely important (no, not really)). It broadens the scope. Granted, I’m not letting go of my affinity for the traditional art and I’m not jumping on some bandwagon taking me straight to the to the Digital Arts Rally in some downtown plaza, which would probably be via Skype anyway (insert laugh track here – thank you, thank you, I’ll be here all week). I’m advocating that people start expanding and evolving their understanding of what constitutes art. You would be surprised, I know scientists that don’t consider modern and contemporary works of art as Art! Yes…and these individuals have the capacity to research and create change towards medical advancement. You would think such individuals have the capacity to think outside constructs outside of science but no. So, imagine other individuals. 

Besides, I’m starting to think you can’t have one without the other. Yup, chicken and egg argument all the way on this one.

For you (or pass onto to someone you know may be interested) that WANT to delve into the world yourself…check out this call for entries!