USING ART TO MAKE GROUNDWATER VISIBLE: FACILITATING SPATIAL AND TEMPORAL THINKING FOR AN INVISIBLE PROBLEM

Groundwater is currently being utilized at rate which is unsustainable. It is a resource not well understood by many segments of society, which contributes to its overutilization. The understanding of groundwater faces a unique challenge compared to other environmental disciplines since it is beneath our feet and cannot be observed with one’s eyes. There is a need for innovative practitioners to disseminate groundwater knowledge and make it visible and engaging for society so that the resource can be better appreciated and managed.

Hydrogeologists can make groundwater more appealing to the layperson through the use of art. Art plays a unique role in society which instills emotion in people; it can inspire us, incite new questions, and provoke curiosity, excitement, or outrage. Although hydrogeologists are not trained in the fine arts, they have all had to conceptualize groundwater problems in their minds and all have the ability to put pen on paper to make their conceptualizations visible and understandable for others.

Groundwater programs at educational institutions help students gradually piece together an understanding of groundwater problems. However, it can be difficult to articulate groundwater problems to those without the prerequisite knowledge. Sketches that can aid in the visual learning of groundwater can form a basis for further reading, discussion, or investigation.

Art does not only benefit the audience. The practice of drawing can improve your attention since it is a mentally demanding task that helps subdue restless thoughts and fosters deep concentration. Drawing can also change how you see, since it helps you focus on minute details that your brain would otherwise overlook. Drawing can also help improve creativity by allowing practitioners the ability to visualize and communicate your thoughts. It is a skill however that requires development through practice.

Unfortunately, in the advent of computer drafting interfaces, sketching is not valued as a powerful visual thinking tool and is seen as an outdated drawing method. Computer aided design and geographic information systems are techniques more commonly taught in current hydrogeological education. However, artistic methods such as pencil or pen on paper, watercolour, oil, or acrylic painting can be valuable for groundwater education.