Reflections on Art and Science in Glasgow

By Ariel Smith

I had the pleasure of attending and representing CaNOE at this year’s Ocean Sciences Meeting in Glasgow. From a career perspective, I was excited to connect with the international community on ocean research and education, but I didn’t expect how fruitful my time would be on a personal level. I left feeling inspired to explore how I can integrate my two passions: art and ocean research.

From day one, Lauren, Sofia, and I were pleasantly surprised at how many people stopped by our “lo-fi” booth to chat, learn more about what we do, and spin the trivia wheel. As soon as the Exhibit Hall opened each day, we had a steady stream of visitors. There were educators, scientists, researchers, and folks from NGOs, all working to develop and implement innovative ways to address critical ocean issues around the globe.

Many of these visitors were focused on science communication, sharing stories of how they’ve translated their love of the ocean to the public. A conversation that stood out to me was with a Scottish woman who uses Gaelic and traditional music to connect people to the ocean. I wish I had more time to speak to her and learn more about this initiative, but even our short conversation encouraged me to think of how I can harmonize my passion for music with my love of ocean science.

I’ve been playing guitar and singing since I was a kid, and I wrote my first song when I was twelve. Music has continued to play a big part in my life and within my family. Story telling through songwriting is my favourite form of communication, especially during difficult times. My dad is a professional musician and producer, and growing up my parents owned a record company. Our home was filled with the familiar sounds of musicians coming and going, my dad sitting on the couch learning a new jazz riff, and my brother playing drums downstairs. Listening to the music of my loved ones has given me great comfort, and it encouraged me to explore my own creativity. Writing, recording, and performing music has continued in different variations throughout my life, and I’m glad it has persisted all these years. Music is something that allows me to feel more connected to myself, to others, and to the complexities of life. From sharing songs with my family and friends to picking up guitars and playing whatever comes to mind, it’s a way of stepping outside of yourself and connecting to the truest part of who you are. As a universal language, it also allows us to connect with others and with issues that seem too big to understand on a cognitive level. 

As a west coast girl, living in Nova Scotia for the past decade introduced me to the beauties and joy of Gaelic music, kitchen parties, and fostered my love of music, often sung with the ocean in view. I have Scottish ancestors, and while in Glasgow it made me think of all of these threads – music, the ocean, history, woven together over time. 

Approaching science through art isn’t a new phenomena and it has been done beautifully by Indigenous communities for millennia. In the last few years I’ve been introduced to the work of L’Agora at the Quebec-based institution Université du Québec à Rimouski (UQAR). I’m thankful to be exposed to this rich work, the kind that invites us to engage with science in a way that starts with relationship and creativity rather than from siloed research that often disconnects us from each other and from the earth. 

I didn’t expect to rediscover this beautiful link between art and science while in Glasgow, but it has stayed with me since, and I’m so thankful for the opportunity to attend.

[Photos: Glasgow on film, taken by me]