The art of science and the science of art | Ikumi Kayama | TEDxFoggyBottom

As a scientific illustrator, Ikumi Kayama puts life into her beautiful drawings that we see every day in textbooks and doctor's offices. In her talk, she demonstrates how she was able to merge her two passions into one career and how such a small community can make a big impact.

Ikumi Kayama is the founder of Studio Kayama, creating images that combine science and art to make modern medicine and science relevant and accessible to everyone. Ikumi is currently working with surgeons and researchers to create educational illustrations on neurosurgery and orthopaedic surgery procedures. When not illustrating, Ikumi is working with medical interpreters from all over the world, teaching basic human anatomy. Otherwise, she is walking about drawing, counting, and painting birds. Ikumi holds a MA in Medical and Biological Illustration from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and a BFA in Scientific Illustration from the University of Georgia. Her work has appeared internationally in juried shows, exhibits, textbooks, scientific journals, presentations, and websites. She is a recipient of Frank Netter Scholarship in medical art, and her first solo art show is scheduled for spring of 2016 at Patuxent Wildlife Refuge Research Center.

[poyobunny]

I’m a visual learner, and the most things I’ve remembered from my school books is the educational illustrations. I still remember the illustrations today, but have forgotten the huge paragraphs of texts.

[blaisegauba]

That's cool Ikumi-san. My father was a photojournalist until his death in 1970, and my father-in-law was a medical photographer for forty years in New York, he's retired now and lives in New Jersey with his wife of over fifty years. I think you have a really long career ahead of you. You are really talented. It's cool to see you speak about your career and your passion on TEDx.

[finiantsl]

I can relate to this ... Yes, indeed, most people will say "oh you draw that?". Today, in the age of computers, people still say the same or say 'oh I can do that on the pc'. Not really you see because if you draw with your hand, the line is natural, and the end-result reflects years of devotion, being curious, knowledge and practice. On the computer, it's basically "math". Certainly not the same. I've used drawings in teaching and students find it easier to learn and remember the subject. That's the power of drawing. :)

[GranitefitnessAus]

wow, very insightful.... the scientific research world is slowly starting to take notice of this...

[jasonloghry]

Thank you for doing this TEDx Talk. It's really inspirational! A few of the students at our school (in Korea) are interested in both science and drawing, and this talk motivates them to follow their passion. Thank you!

[TFMarciniak]

Everything and everyone is of the utmost significance, thank you.

[scooternak]

Fascinating talk!
Thank you for sharing.

I'm sure you have inspired many young children to dream of becoming scientific artists!

[LytzyBitzySpider]

I love art and science too, I think this may be the right path for me
Is there any way I can begin to start this career?

[lichennnab]

Ikumi Kayama offers an amazing insight. i just wish i believed in art as strongly as some do.

[seansully]

I'm just going to guess that she's a visual learner..

[juplup]

I wonder about the 11 people who disliked this.

[oellsn]

Now my job is to sound a little bit wirrerer.😂🙌🏽