“Poetry, Printmaking & Place gave me a chance to see how creativity doesn’t exist separately from science or society, it’s actually an essential part of how we imagine better systems and futures. As someone deeply involved in biology, I was surprised at how natural and exciting it felt to bridge those worlds. The projects we worked on, especially those that combined environmental awareness with artistic expression, helped me feel like I was contributing to something bigger than myself. Like maybe art and science aren’t opposite paths but two languages working toward the same goal.”
“Poetry, Printmaking & Place aligns perfectly with my major in Ecosystem Science and Sustainability. I really like that the course is a part of the arts and humanities, but not far from STEM fields; they share mutual concerns and complementary ways of thinking. This course had us looking at literature and art from across the ages and examining the ways in which the arts, sciences, and humanities can work together toward understanding and seeking solutions to our most complicated challenges. One of the most prominent challenges we talked about throughout this course was the idea of how the powerful utilization of art serves as a voice for our planet and the urgent need for sustainability. It wasn't just an abstract concept we discussed; it became a vibrant reality through each example shared. From the delicate yet potent verses of poetry addressing the complexities of climate change to the tangible act of crafting handmade books dedicated to issues close to our hearts, every exploration illuminated a deeper truth. I realized that these artistic expressions aren't merely aesthetic endeavors; they are profound acts of communication. They offer us, as individuals, as students navigating our present, and as the future generation inheriting this Earth, a multitude of pathways to articulate vital messages and give voice to the deep well of emotions we feel regarding our world. This understanding has resonated deeply within me, fostering a sense of empowerment and a renewed appreciation for the unique and compelling language of art in shaping a more sustainable future.”
Helen Frankenthaler, Japenese Maple, 2005
“Through this class, I’ve learned that I don’t have to give up one part of myself to succeed in another. I’ve learned that I’m not just a student or just a future scientist, I’m also a maker and someone who can use creative tools to communicate, question, and care. It’s made me reflect more on what kind of citizen I want to be, one who contributes thoughtfully, pays attention to the world around me, and uses every skill I have to help shape a more sustainable and imaginative future. This class didn’t just give me tools to make things, it reminded me that making is how we connect, question, and hope.”
“As I reflect on Poetry, Politics & Place, I’m struck by how deeply this course has influenced my sense of self—not only as an artist, but as a thinker, citizen, and systems-oriented maker. It has expanded my understanding of what creativity can do: not just express, but intervene, repair, and reimagine. Throughout the semester, I found myself increasingly attuned to material choices and their meanings. Experimenting with natural dyes made from spices and plants reminded me that even simple, everyday elements carry stories and histories. Sourcing color from turmeric, sumac, spirulina, and beets connected me more intimately to land, process, and time. Making became a way of listening—of being in relationship with the natural world, rather than extracting from it. That shift in mindset was subtle but powerful.
Working with cyanotypes became especially meaningful. I used the process not only to experiment with light, shadow, and time, but also to layer different mediums—plants, objects, textures—that reflected aspects of who I am, who I’ve been, and who I hope to become. Each print became a kind of mirror, shaped by my values of sustainability, creativity, and honesty. It felt like a personal archive built through collaboration with the sun and the world around me. I also felt empowered by the freedom to explore big questions through physical, often imperfect work. Whether experimenting with spore-inoculated paper or plant-based materials, I began to see that play and curiosity are not separate from serious inquiry. They are the tools through which we imagine alternatives to dominant systems of extraction, control, and disposability. I hope to carry this sense of responsibility and creativity into all areas of my life. I want to keep making things that challenge assumptions, invite care, and show what else is possible.”