APRIL SURGENT
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Mind on the Ice.

8/22/2012

8 Comments

 
Last September, I submitted a proposal entitled, 21st Century Antarctica: The Science and Landscape of Palmer Station to the National Science Foundation's, Antarctic Artists and Writers program. An NSF program that offers artists and writers the opportunity to travel to Antarctica to gather research to complete proposed projects. After a very long and involved process, I have received final confirmation that my application has indeed been accepted into the program! I will be deploying to Palmer station on the Antarctic peninsula, in the Austral Summer of 2013/14 for about a month and half. I will travel from Seattle to Punta Arenas, Chile, where I will board icebreaker vessel L.M. Gould for an approximate 5 day voyage to Palmer Station. While deployed, I will work side by side with the scientific research and support teams with the goal of gathering information and inspiration to make a body of work upon my return. 
Picture
Map of Antarctic Peninsula and Palmer Station. Image borrowed from: http://www.crestwoodexplorestheworld.org/3/archives/01-2012/1.html
Traveling to Antarctica has been a dream of mine since I was an early teen when I met a family friend who said that he was a 'toxic-waste' garbage man at McMurdo station, in Antarctica. That one could travel to and live in Antarctica was enough to peek my interest, but that he was a garbage man had my imagination reeling! I had just or was just about to read, Endurance the story of Shakleton's voyage and was (and still am) entirely captivated by the story of great explorers and survivors. But as I vividly imagined Shakleton's adventure, it did not quite fit into the contemporary picture of Antarctica that I was hearing about. It was then I started to think about the incredible differences between Antarctica pre-twentieth century and Antarctica post-twentieth century. And so my curiosity about the elusive place started it's own voyage in my imagination. 
Picture
Antarctic explorers of the Heroic Age. Photo taken by R.F. Scott in 1911. Image borrowed from: http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/skiing/1/1
Aside from the vast differences between Antarctica today and 100 years ago, my interest in Antarctic exploration grew as I considered the symbiotic relationship between the explorers, scientists and artists who went to great lengths in the name of science and discovery. While the role of the artist in scientific discovery has perhaps changed in the 21st century, the artist serves as a useful link between modern day science and the public at large. As science becomes increasingly complex, and in many cases is only comprehendible to an elite few, the artist's role becomes important as serving as a comprehensible link between the work of the scientist and the public at large. 
Picture
The Princess Elisabeth station operated by Belgium. Present day. Image borrowed from: http://alfin2100.blogspot.com/2009/02/alien-spaceship-or-antarctic-research.html
An excerpt from my application about the intent of my project.

‘21st Century Antarctica – The Science and Landscape of Palmer Station’, is a research project aimed at expanding the public’s knowledge and understanding of the scientific research, unique biology and rapid climate change occurring on the Antarctic Peninsula and in the Southern Ocean during the 21st century. Nearly one hundred years after the end of the Antarctic Heroic Age[1] of exploration and discovery, the 21st century witnesses Antarctica with year-round stations, laboratories, evidence of global warming and a need for international conservancy. However, most people remain confused and grossly misinformed about the southern most continent and the research occurring there. The goal of my project is to produce a body of work that conveys a new understanding of Antarctica that will serve as a link between the scientific research and the people at large. The final exhibition produced will focus on being engaging, educational and apprehensible.

[1] A period of exploration in Antarctica from the late 1800’s to early 1900’s.

While I could write all day, in the words of a wise woman I will, 'save some room for later' and leave this post: To be continued. And in the meantime, I've got my mind on the ice. 
8 Comments
Nina
8/22/2012 03:52:43 am

So badass!! Congratulations!!

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Tom Durnell
8/22/2012 07:35:48 am

I am jealous...also to old to do it myself!

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Abe link
11/8/2012 12:07:28 am

I am more jealous than words could possibly describe. I'm really looking forward to seeing what will be amazing new work.

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Laurie Evans link
3/14/2013 01:21:34 pm

April, congrats on your upcoming adventure. I hitch a ride back with u in a heart beat. The Southern Sea and what resides there is a very special place. I feel very fortunate to hv been able to spend last month there. Lookin forward to meeting you! LE

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8/22/2013 05:06:33 pm

Wow...it is also one of my dream to travel and live in Antarctica.Really amazed to see the pictures!

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9/17/2013 08:27:17 pm

Wonderful post but I was wondering if you could write a little more on this subject? I'd be very grateful if you could elaborate a little bit further

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10/1/2013 03:04:17 pm

It was a very good post indeed. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it in my lunch time. Will surely come and visit this blog more often. Thanks for this informative share.

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10/16/2013 04:20:48 pm

Antarctica is one of best place to explore.I also appreciate the efforts of scientists and artists who went to great lengths in the name of science and discovery.

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  • HOME
  • ABOUT
    • Statement
    • BIO
    • CV
    • Representation
  • ARTWORK
    • PROCESS
    • 2020
    • 2019
    • 2018
    • 2017
    • 2015
    • 2014
    • 2013
    • 2012 - 2006
  • RESEARCH
  • INSTALLATION
    • Portrait Of An Ocean
    • Bycatch
    • Shelter
    • Into the Surface
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  • CONTACT