Blending Science with Art: Discovering the Colours of the Sea
The first of our winter online talks series starts on 21st November
This November, we’re delighted to launch the start of our popular High Life Highland Nature Unveiled winter talk series with an exceptional presentation from guest speaker Dr. Lonneke Goddijn-Murphy, who will explore how science and art merge to reveal the many colours of the sea in her talk, “From the Green Room to the Whisky Barrel.” on Thursday, 21st November at 19:30 GMT.
Dr. Goddijn-Murphy’s talk invites us to see the sea not only as a scientific subject but also as an ever-changing canvas that has inspired artists for centuries.
Her presentation will uncover the science behind why we perceive different colours in the sea and what those colours signify—from deep blues and emerald greens to shades altered by sunlight, depth, and even microscopic life forms.
For ancient mariners, these colours served as vital navigation tools, while scientists today use them to study ocean health, climate change, and marine biodiversity.
This combination of science and art reminds us how closely interconnected they are. Scientific observation enhances our appreciation of the beauty in natural phenomena, while art brings these insights to life in ways that resonate deeply.
By exploring the sea’s colours from both perspectives, Dr. Goddijn-Murphy’s talk will inspire us to see the world with a new appreciation—both for its aesthetic beauty and its scientific intricacies.
Dr. Lonneke Goddijn-Murphy is a leading expert in marine optics and physics, with a distinguished research portfolio on the remote sensing of the sea surface. Her work encompasses ocean colour, marine plastic pollution, air-sea gas exchange, whitecapping, ocean waves, and wave energy. Through her studies, she continues to unlock the secrets of our oceans, translating complex scientific data into visual stories that reveal the vital, unseen layers of the marine environment.
This and our other talks are bookable via Eventbrite and undertaken using Microsoft Teams. The talks are recorded and can be distributed to those who have booked.
We ask for donations* for our online events to help with our work, which goes towards education about and protection of the nature of the Highlands. Please give what you feel you can afford. We suggest a minimum donation of £5 per person to cover our costs or £10 per person to further support our work.
* Please be aware that there is a minimum donation of £1 required to book on via Eventbrite. This does not go to the Ranger Service but is to cover Eventbrite Fees.
Coming Next….on our Nature Unveiled Online Talks Series:
North Coast Splashes - Marcia O’Hara
Thursday 28.11.2024 - 19:00 GMT
Did you know that there are 20 species of whales and dolphins recorded visiting UK waters?
In the second of our winter talks this year Marcia will enlighten us about our magnificent marine mammals and their unique adaptations to surviving in a watery environment. We'll also look at the new problems they face with our increasing technological advances and how you can go out and spot them for yourself around the North Coast of Scotland.
How is climate affecting our Birds - Andy Summers
Thursday 5.12.2024 19:30 GMT
Join Andy as we explore what the future may hold for some of our iconic species in a changing world. His talk will explore how climate change is affecting our bird populations in the Highlands of Scotland. What species are most vulnerable and how are they are adapting in a complicated picture of interacting processes. We will examine prediction of what will happen to our birds in the near future. In the face of global biodiversity loss and climate change.
Scotland’s Colourful legacy - Michelle Melville
Thursday 12.12.2024 19:30 GMT
Join Michelle, for an inspiring journey into the rich world of Scotland’s traditional dyes. Discover the natural colours once used to bring vibrancy to textiles. Michelle will share the fascinating stories behind these natural pigments and explain the process of creating dyes from local plants and lichens found in Scotland’s landscape. Learn how these dyes were historically harvested and prepared, and get tips on how you can experiment with creating colours in your own backgarden. Perfect for craft enthusiasts, history lovers, or anyone interested in Scotland’s heritage, this talk will bring an ancient art to life. Don’t miss it!
More talks online from January - March 2025 will be promoted in December Can’t wait to find out? Keep checking our listings:
Thanks for this. If you book, but don't attend the live talk, can you still access the recording?
Hello! I was wondering if past talk recordings would ever be available? I’ve only just encountered your wonderful substack now (many thanks to Julie with her Nature Stack recommendations) but I would be happy to pay a booking fee or make a donation to view the previous talks about art and the ocean and marine mammals in Scotland! These are key current research interests of mine and sound like fascinating presentations.