Sara Adlerstein, an associate research scientist at the University of Michigan, uses quantitative modeling to investigate ecosystems. But she also embraces art as a way to reflect on nature.
She was interviewed recently by SNRE alumna Barbara Lucas, who is the host of the 'Green Home," a show that appears on Ann Arbor Public Access.
The third exhibit in the Art & Environment Gallery is "Water Blues," featuring work by Sara Adlerstein, an associate research scientist at the School of Natural Resources and Environment. "In my world, art and science belong together as naturally as air and water. Both inform my work influencing my approach," said Adlerstein, an accomplished artist with many gallery showings to her credit. "Observation, experimentation, improvisation, making comparisons, searching for patterns and answers all come together within the creative process. As such I have developed my own mixed media techniques and my research influences the subject of my paintings. The process has been magical, nurturing and informative."
Adorning the brick walls of Sara Adlerstein’s office are two large canvases she painted in dark earth tones, reminiscent of rustic cave paintings. "I have gone through a journey to understand how the natural sciences and art complement each other,” says Adlerstein, a research scientist at the School of Natural Resources and Environment. Receiving her first Master of Science degree in Chile, Adlerstein initially was unsure what type of degree to pursue. “I’m somebody who is in love with too many things. I applied to programs for journalism, biology and visual arts but I decided to study biology and do art on my own,” says Adlerstein, whose artwork primarily consists of oil paintings with vibrant colors, sharp edges and thick textures.
Sara Adlerstein, an associate research scientist at the University of Michigan, uses quantitative modeling to investigate ecosystems. But she also embraces art as a way to reflect on nature.
Effective communication is a key component of SNRE curriculum, and a major reason for the opening of the first SNRE art gallery. Sara Adlerstein is a research scientist at SNRE, artist and curator for the new Art & Environment Gallery. She hopes that this new mode of communication will resonate with the students and professors, showing them that graphs and charts are not the only modes of viable visual communication.
Bridget Hohner, an SNRE Aquatic Sciences master's student, explains her research on the effects of chemicals to control sea lampreys on mussel populations in Michigan streams. The work is highlighted in a video produced by SNRE Professor Sara Adlerstein through special funding provided by the Rackham Graduate School.
An interdisciplinary team of University of Michigan faculty members and students collaborated on this 45-minute performance work about the Huron River. The intricately layered piece interweaves live and recorded music, dance, video and poetry.