Dr. Elodie Freymann on Merging Art, Science, & Natural History Storytelling (VIDEO)

Welcome to Season 6, Episode 7 of Art Is… a podcast for artists

Episode Overview:

In this episode, Lauryn and Isotta are joined by Dr. Elodie Freymann, an artist and scientist who shares her unique journey of merging her passions and working across creative and scientific disciplines. Elodie recounts how her childhood fascination with primates led her to pursue a PhD at Oxford in cognitive and evolutionary anthropology, which eventually took her to Uganda's Budongo Forest for nine months to explore how chimpanzees self-medicate with plants. A natural storyteller, Elodie’s unique art form includes intricate paper-cutting silhouettes crafted into stunning handmade books, and scientific illustrations that helped her memorize the various species of animals and plants she studied, offering a fascinating glimpse into the true overlap of art and science. She candidly discusses the vulnerability she faces with self-doubt and imposter syndrome, providing helpful tips to overcome creative blocks. The episode also delves into her current work in documentary filmmaking and how her interdisciplinary spirit continues to drive her projects. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that celebrates the fusion of art and science in Elodie's extraordinary life and career.

Topics Covered:

1. Journey into Anthropology and Filmmaking:

• Elodie discusses her background as an artist and her initial foray into documentary filmmaking, driven by her love of storytelling.

• Her decision to pursue a Master's and subsequently PhD at Oxford in cognitive and evolutionary anthropology, specifically for her interest in primates.

2. Merging Art and Science:

• The struggle and eventual triumph of integrating her dual loves of art and science.

• Using scientific illustration and art to overcome academic challenges and imposter syndrome.

• Her extensive illustration practice drawing primate species and plant anatomy as a tool for learning and memory during University and throughout her field work in Uganda's Budongo Forest

3.  Inspirations and Influences:

• Lauryn explores how Elodie’s early interests shaped her decision to study chimpanzees.

• Elodie shares her admiration for trailblazing icon Jane Goodall, who inspired her path in primatology 

• Elodie’s internship with paper cutting artist Beatrice Coron 

4.Overcoming Self-Doubt:

• The parallels between artists and scientists, such as isolation and rejection.

• The lifestyle overlap between artistic and scientific practcies, grant writing, submitting to open calls, dealing with rejection and constant critique 

• Elodie’s experiences making work and her Dad’s wise approach to understanding output days and input days.

• Strategies for dealing with critique and using vulnerability to strengthen resilience.

5. Creative Problem-Solving and Storytelling:

• Elodie’s dedication to storytelling and understanding the natural world.

• Her personal art projects, inspired by prompts and conversations with her father about balancing input and output time.

6. Exploring Different Art Forms:

• Elodie’s interest in bookmaking and paper cutting silhouettes, including her book "The Evolution of Life Through Geologic Time."

• The role of documentary film in her practice as a medium to bring art to life.

7. Academic Challenges and Field Research:

• The issues of academic gatekeeping and transparency in scientific journals and her desire to use storytelling via documentary filmmaking to bring these topics to life. 

• Brief overview of Elodie’s PhD research in Uganda’s Budongo Forest, studying how chimpanzees self-medicate with plants, showcasing the forest as a pharmacy for these primates.

Conclusion:

Join Lauryn, Isotta and Elodie as they delve into the intricate balance of art and science, exploring the challenges and triumphs of an evolving interdisciplinary career. This episode is a testament to the power of storytelling, resilience, and the unique intersections that drive creative and scientific inquiry.

Stay updated with future episodes by subscribing to Art Is… on your favorite podcast platform, and follow us on social media for more behind-the-scenes content and updates. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that celebrates the creative journey.

Dr. Elodie Freymann’s Website: https://www.drelodiefreymann.com/

Follow Elodie: https://www.instagram.com/elodiefreymann?igsh=YjRnbTlpZ3hpY2py 

Elodie’s handmade book The Evolution of Life Across Geologic Time: https://www.drelodiefreymann.com/books 

Elodie’s art work:https://www.drelodiefreymann.com/paperart 

Elodie’s Illustration work: https://www.drelodiefreymann.com/illustrations 

Elodie’s upcoming film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6iDnyaUJQx0&ab_channel=ElodieFreymann 

Primate Conversations with Elodie Freymann https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bPKKCF1R1Ao&ab_channel=PrimateModelsforBehaviouralEvolutionLab 

Elodie Freymann PhD Research: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0305219 

Paper Cutting Artist Beatrice Coron https://www.beatricecoron.com/ 

Watch this episode on Youtube or on Spotify

Learn more about Isotta at @isottapage and see her work 

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Learn more about Lauryn @curatedsplash and her coaching work 

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Original music by Black Wonder Twins

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