The Aesthetic Mollusc:
About the Artist: Jas. Atkinson

In my other life, I am a Professor of Zoology at Michigan State University where I teach
courses in invertebrate biology,  the history of evolutionary biology, and the biology of
mollusks.  My research interests have centered upon the development, behavior and
neuro-biology of gastropods, mainly land snails and slugs.

I've had no formal training in the fine arts. I received an AB degree from Kenyon College
with a major in Biology, and received both an MS and Ph.D degrees in Biology from
Emory University.  As a graduate student I took Protozoology from Dr. W.D. Burbank who
required careful scientific illustrations of protozoa. Dr. Burbank indicated that my work
reminded him of drawings by El Greco!  I was never sure whether he meant that as a
compliment! Now that I am painting, I'll assume it was!

A few years ago I began painting when I found that the concentration was actually
relaxing.  With the encouragement of family and friends, I decided to embark on this
enterprise.  I hope you enjoy these paintings.

As one of my students said "Molluscs Rock"  




Need more information e-mail me:     aestheticmollusc@yahoo.com


Links:
Conservation:  Xerces Society

Art:  Mid Michigan Artists
Studio 1219
The art roof
Nature Photographer, Mark S, Carlson

Molluscs:   Man and Mollusc
American Malacological Society

Yours truly with  Michigan's,
Lake Huron shore in the
background