Bugs, Beetles & Brushes: Inside Eynsham's Science-Art Workshop
On Saturday 7th March, the Nature Recovery Network and Mill Street Arts put on another in our series of Science-Art workshops, funded by the Trust for Oxfordshire’s Environment and Long Mead Foundation.
This time, insects were under the microscope, with artist Alice Walker emphasising the importance of observation in both art and science. Invertebrates are in steep decline, as are floodplain meadow specialists given the accelerating disappearance of the habitat. Dr Mike Wilson and Linda Losito are part of the Long Mead team who are studying the extent to which invertebrate diversity might increase when botanical diversity increases in the process of floodplain meadow creation.
Microphotograph by Bob Cowley of the tiny (2mm) yellow and black spider "Hypsosinga pygmaea" - a spider with a very distinctive appearance. Similar species none. Widespread in Southern Britain.
Jodie Baker, a leader of Long Mead Foundation’s plant propagation team, reflects on the Bugs and Beetles Science-Art Workshop:
On Saturday 7th I joined a lovely group of like minded people at a Bugs and Beetles art workshop at Mill street Arts in Eynsham. We were joined by beetle expert Linda Losito, leaf hopper specialist Dr. Mike Wilson and local artist Alice Walker.
Both Linda and Mike gave informative talks about their chosen specialities, talking us through what they actually do to find their samples and what they learn from them. Mike explained to us that he walks the meadows with a leaf blower on reverse and essentially hoovers up the bugs.
They also gave us facts about the array of pictures, models, and real bugs filling the table before us telling us about different species and where they were found or could be found. After their talks we were treated to tea and biscuits as the pens, pencils and microscopes came into play.
We were encouraged to look at samples in the microscopes and try to draw them with Alice there to lend a hand and give us tips and pointers on how best to do it.
Sarah Couch said "There are over 4000 species of beetles in the UK and 400 leaf hoppers. It was fascinating using the microscopes to see all the bugs hoovered up among the seeds. I drew a rather lovely leaf hopper found at Pinkhill and a stunning vibrant but tiny green Tiger beetle"
It was a lovely afternoon, with a relaxed atmosphere and everyone became very creative.
Rhiannon Baker said 'I really enjoyed it actually, it was really nice to step away from everything I normally do and zone in to something completely different for the afternoon".
Everyone seemed satisfied with what they had created and I am sure they are looking forward to the next one.