Man's desire to understand the world we live in has led to growing interest in science. Many people look to the study of nature for enlightenment and evidence, searching for explanations for our existence, whether we are just mere products of evolution as Richard Dawkins argues 'The universe is nothing but a collection of atoms in motion, human beings are simply machines for propagating DNA, and the propagation of DNA is a self-sustaining process. It is every living object's sole reason for living.' (God's Undertaker, Has science buried God?, pg. 55) Or are we unique, complex, beautiful creatures created by an intelligent designer for a purpose? Sir Peter Medawar said 'The existence of a limit to science is, however, made clear by its inability to answer childlike elementary questions having to do with first and last things - questions such as "How did everything begin?"; "What are we all here for?"; "What is the point of living?".' These writings and questions were the inspiration for my concept as well as visual recordings taken from the trees in the botanical gardens. My attention was drawn to the layering of bark, its variegated colour, and how the complexity and magnitude of nature, like snow covered mountains or vast forests, has consistently amused great minds of the past and present. The layers of bark, I felt, were metaphorical of the layered and complex nature of man, his desire for truth and understanding, his emotions, conscience and consciousness.
'Our science is God's science. He holds the responsibility for the whole scientific story ... The remarkable order, consistency, reliability and fascinating complexity found in the scientific description of the universe are reflections of the order, consistency, reliability and complexity of God's activity.' -Sir Houghton FRS
No comments:
Post a Comment