ts will need more than just the math of geometry, they’ll need to know how to apply it. For example, can you use geometry to help you figure out how to subdivide a sphere into nothing but four sided quads? This is currently an important skill for any 3D modeller to have when creating polygon meshes. You’ll also need the logic you learn from things like Algebra which will help you figure out how to solve problems like connecting a 16 sided polygon to the inside of a four sided polygon using nothing but quadrilateral polygons (here’s a hint, diamonds and trapezoids are both quadrilateral shapes and you’ll need both to do it).
So as you can see, math and science are important to digital art. But digital art is also becoming important to math and science. Researchers in molecular biology and particle physics both deal with things that we cannot see directly (and in the case of sub atomic particles, not at all); but a digital artist using math and physics can produce accurate visual representations that we can all see. The old saying is true, a picture is worth a thousand words and digital artists are helping both biologist and physicist share their discoveries with the world through virtual images and animations. But all of this requires a good eduction in science and math, and it also requires lots of imagination. This will only become more true in the future as digital art continues to become a part of our games, music, TV and movies, as well as even helping our scientists and researchers do their jobs. If we want to be ready for that future, education in math and science is critical.
I hope this article is helpful to both students and teachers in understanding the relationship between art and science. Its an old relationship well personified by Leonardo da Vinci who was both artist, scientist and inventor. Perhaps the age of digital art, in blending the sciences with art, will help produce more like da Vinci.