CREATORS – David Goodsell

In ALL, CREATORS by Julia Krolik

Name: David Goodsell

Which came first in your life, the science or the art?

Both! My father, who worked as an aerospace engineer, got me interested in science at an early age, and I always knew I would choose research as a career. My grandfather started me with watercolor at about the same time, so art has also been a part of my entire life, and I’ve tried to combine the two interests ever since.

biosites-bloodserum

Bloodserum

HIV

HIV

Which sciences relate to your art practice?

I currently split my time between research in structural molecular biology and science outreach. It all involves work on the structure and function of biological molecules like proteins and DNA, and use of this information to fight disease.

mycoplasma

Mycoplasma

Ebola

Ebola – Winner of 2016 Wellcome Images Award

What materials do you use to create your artworks? 

When I have atomic structures of a particular molecule, for instance in my work with the RCSB Protein Data Bank, I use computer graphics to create images. For the cellular landscapes, I use watercolor and ink.

biosites-basementmembrane

Basement Membrane

ecoli

E. coli

Artwork/Exhibition you are most proud of:

My work with the RCSB Protein Data Bank, in particular, the “Molecule of the Month” column, has been the most rewarding project of my entire career. It’s fun to put together, since I get to explore a new subject every month. I’ve also had a great response from visitors to the site.

redbloodcell

Red Blood Cell

blood

Blood

Which scientists and/or artists inspire and/or have influenced you?

Two people in particular have helped shape everything I do. My graduate advisor Richard Dickerson at UCLA helped me chart a path through the process of combining science, art, and writing. His books and his research have been a source of constant inspiration. After graduate school, I did postdoctoral work with Arthur Olson at the Scripps Research Institute in his Molecular Graphics Laboratory, and have worked with him ever since. He is a source of constant creativity, always searching for new ways to explore science and make it accessible. 

biosites-cytoplasm

Cytoplasm

biosites-nucleus

Nucleus

Share this Post

Related posts:

  1. CREATORS – Yamina Pressler
  2. CREATORS – Louise Mackenzie
  3. CREATORS – ALLIE IBARRA
  4. CREATORS – SUSIE YUN
About the Author

Julia Krolik

Julia helps SciArt through Art the Science, wrangles data and makes SciArt through Pixels and Plans. She speaks passionately about the importance of visual communication in information sharing. She lives by this quote: "They are ill discoverers that think there is no land, when they can see nothing but sea." - Francis Bacon | Twitter: @yuliakrolik