Beakers and Brushes

Picture yourself in a situation that most college students have experienced: an acquaintance asks you “how’s school going?” You say “good”, the answer you are expected to give. The follow up: “What are you studying?” There’s no ambiguity for me. I study biology and studio art. I jump between the genetics lab and drawing studio. My backpack always contains safety googles, a graphing calculator, a black chisel tip copic marker, and some jeweler’s saw blades. I am greeted by the humming sounds of thermocyclers and the gentle sweep of brushes.  "Purebred Show Worm" presented at the 2017 Worm Art Show Yet, this answer hardly ever satisfies distant friends and the strangers at the grocery store. I am often prodded to say which I am more of – a scientist or an artist. People are quick to point out the perceived differences in my disciplines; the meticulous, exacting nature of science and the vibrant, liberating nature of art. Asking me to “pick one” is impossible. ...