My Day Job...

Yep, I'm one of those artists who has a day-job. I work as a Sponsored Research Officer at a small liberal arts college in Western Massachusetts. Most folks don't actually know what that means so for the non-academics who may be reading this I explain it like this: I'm the person at the college who helps the faculty submit grant proposals that fund their research.

While doing this I get to read lots of interesting proposals and in all fields: science, social sciences and the humanities. Much of it is waaaayyyy too technical for me to grasp - especially in the sciences - but reading all of the proposals certainly feeds me in a unique way.   And, for a person who got 'C's' in chemistry and physics in college, it helps me be less afraid and more appreciative of science.

My office at work - entry decor by my fabulous co-worker. Prints by me on the wall.

What does all this have to do with me as an artist? Plenty, especially since I have single-mindedly pursued the making of neuro art for the last two years. I've been encouraged by a neuroscience professor at my college and have been blown away by the response to my work from folks in the field. It's one of the reasons I'm heading for the SfN Art of Neuroscience show in just two weeks. I wouldn't even have known about the show without the professor telling me. The conference draws 30,000 professionals and students each year - wow, that's a lot of brainiacs in one place.

To tell you the truth, as a non-science neuro-geek, I'm also a little nervous about actually meeting so many people who study the brain. Doing a lot of reading about science that is written for the non-scientist helps.

Below is a list of some of my current favorite reads (and listens while I'm in the studio):

• The Human Brain Book by Rita Carter
• Your Best Brain: The Science of Brain Improvement
  by The Great Courses - John Medina
• Buddha's Brain: The Practical Neuroscience of Happiness, Love & Wisdom    by Rick Hanson
• Secrets of the Creative Brain - The Atlantic article from 7/2014 

          by Nancy C. Andreasen

Because the day job and artist life keep me very busy, I don't actually blog very often. I do, however, post pretty constantly to social media. If you want to stay current with what I'm up to follow me on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter and definitely join my Inner Circle email list for first offers and news of special events.