Bryant McGill’s blog post, “Noticing IS the Art / Batocera wallacei Beetle Designs / Geometric and Biomorphic Ornamentation / Art Nouveau,” uses the intricate patterns of the Batocera wallacei beetle as a springboard for a meditation on the art of observation, the intersection of nature and human creativity, and the deep connections between biology, geometry, and design.
READ: Noticing IS the Art / Batocera wallacei Beetle Designs / Geometric and Biomorphic Ornamentation / Art Nouveau
Key Themes and Insights
1. The Art of Noticing
McGill posits that “noticing” is itself an art form-an act of mindful attention that bridges science, art, and daily living. By closely observing the natural world (such as the geometric and biomorphic ornamentation on beetle shells), we unlock new realms of inspiration and understanding. This practice of noticing is foundational to both scientific inquiry and artistic creation.
2. Nature as Designer
He draws attention to the Batocera wallacei beetle’s shell, whose patterns echo the motifs of Art Nouveau and geometric ornamentation. McGill suggests that nature is the original designer, and that much of human art, architecture, and decorative tradition is rooted in the “biomorphic” forms found in living organisms. The beetle’s shell becomes a living example of nature’s capacity for beauty, complexity, and structural innovation.
3. Interconnectedness of Science and Art
By referencing institutions like CERN and his own multidisciplinary background, McGill highlights the unity between scientific exploration and artistic expression. The patterns observed in beetle shells are not just aesthetic-they are also mathematical and structural, reflecting principles that span biology, physics, and design.
4. Human Potential and Creativity
McGill’s reflections on his own journey-as a poet, technologist, and advocate-underscore his belief in the power of creativity and mindful observation to transform both individuals and societies. He argues that by cultivating the art of noticing, we become more attuned to the world’s possibilities and better equipped to contribute meaningfully to culture and knowledge.
5. Biomimicry and Innovation
The post implicitly advocates for biomimicry: the practice of drawing inspiration from nature’s designs to solve human challenges. The beetle’s shell, with its geometric precision and organic beauty, serves as a model for sustainable, innovative design in fields ranging from architecture to materials science.
Summary Table: Core Ideas from the Blog Post
Theme | Description |
---|---|
Noticing as Art | Mindful observation is a creative and scientific act, foundational to discovery and innovation. |
Nature as Designer | Natural forms (e.g., beetle shells) inspire human art and ornamentation, especially Art Nouveau. |
Science-Art Interconnected | Biological patterns reflect deep mathematical and physical principles; art and science are linked. |
Human Creativity | Attentive observation fuels creativity, personal growth, and cultural advancement. |
Biomimicry | Nature’s designs offer blueprints for sustainable, beautiful human technologies and structures. |
In summary:
McGill’s essay is a call to cultivate the “art of noticing”-to see the extraordinary in the ordinary, to recognize nature as the ultimate artist, and to integrate the lessons of the living world into human creativity and innovation. By doing so, he suggests, we not only enrich our art and science, but also deepen our connection to the world and to each other.
Sources
- Noticing IS the Art / Batocera wallacei Beetle Designs / Geometric and Biomorphic Ornamentation / Art Nouveau https://bryantmcgills.blogspot.com/2025/04/noticing-is-art-batocera-wallacei.html
- Quotes by Bryant McGill (Author of Simple Reminders) - Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/5824390.Bryant_McGill
- Quotes by Bryant McGill (Author of Simple Reminders) - Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/5824390.Bryant_McGill?page=5
- TOP 25 QUOTES BY BRYANT H. MCGILL (of 316) | A-Z Quotes https://www.azquotes.com/author/9810-Bryant_H_McGill
- “The interconnectedness of all things is a fundamental truth of nature.” https://www.instagram.com/andrew_escudero_/p/Ctg4x62LQM3/
- Bryant McGill Interview - Lisa Tenzin-Dolma https://www.tenzindolma.co.uk/bryant-mcgill-interview
- Bryant H. McGill Quotes About Consciousness https://www.azquotes.com/author/9810-Bryant_H_McGill/tag/consciousness
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