Bird's eye view: perspectives on the art and science of ornithology

In this talk you will hear a scientist, a historian and two artists chatter about birds in art and science. The discussion will flit over topics such the history of museum science, rare ornithology books and taxonomy, and museum collections as artistic inspiration.
Panel members:
Dr. Karen Rowe: Curator of Birds
Karen is the Curator of Birds at the Museums Victoria Research Institute. She is a museum-based research ecologist specialising in using acoustic methods to document the diversity and distribution of animals, particularly birds, across landscapes. This work has included long-term monitoring of endangered species and addressing the impact of bushfires on bird communities. Her work actively focuses on using acoustic technologies to bring together land managers, landcare groups and community participants towards improved management and conservation outcomes for wildlife.
Rebecca Carland :Senior Curator, History of Collections & Scientific Art
Bec is a dynamic history curator with 18 years experience in collections, exhibitions, programs and publication within the museum sector. She collaborates across history, science and creative networks to keep historical practice energised and relevant. She strives to engage with and address the colonial legacy within museum practice and methodology. She is an advocate for the promotion of women in the sector through mentoring in the workplace and is energised by executive positions on various committees and boards.
Gracia Haby & Louise Jennison : Artists
Gracia Haby and Louise Jennison have been collaborating since 1999, making artists’ books, zines, collages, stories, prints, and drawings. Besotted still, it appears, with paper for its adaptable, foldable, cut-able, concealable, revealing nature, using an armoury of play, the poetic and familiar too, with the intention of luring you into their A(rtists’ books) to Z(ines).
Their most recently commission was by the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) for Melbourne Now for which they created a pocket of restored eucalyptus forest habitat especially for the Grey-headed flying fox (Pteropus poliocephalus), collaged from 100 pieces in the NGV collection.