As a scientist I find it interesting that my physical actions, although fundamental for performing experiments, are never directly recorded. What I do in the laboratory is recorded in a book, the results collated, mused over, compared to previous experiments and finally published for the world to read. The actual actions of scientists, how they actually performed the experiment are never seen. In general, this is also a similar experience for artists. The artist’s studio is a place we rarely see. The final work of art is the result of being in that space.

In this drawing performance I was attempting to record the physical actions of a scientist. I filmed myself as a scientist in a laboratory. I then took this film and traced the movement of the right hand. I repeated this three times, collecting data like a scientist would. I then repeated this with the left hand and the left eye. I also documented the drawing event through photographs in which the hand of the artist can be seen following the movement. A study of movement, physical presence, action and ultimately recording the trace of that action.

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The final installation contained the drawings, seven photographs from each action and the ambient sounds of the laboratory from the initial five minute film.

The Scientist: A record of action

Scientists perform experiments everyday

but the general public never see these actions.

To investigate some of these actions I filmed a scientist in a laboratory. I concentrated on analysing a five minute section of this film.

I traced the movement of the right hand in three separate actions.

I traced the movement of the left hand in three separate actions.

I traced the movement of the left eye in three separate actions.