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Bo Wood and Frances Vest

Bo and Frances met in 2015 as undergraduates at Oglethorpe University in Atlanta, Georgia. Their shared curiosity and passion for learning have shaped their journey together, both as scientists and as artists. Frances and Bo each bring unique artistic paths to their collaboration. Frances’ early experiences with art, including earning a studio art minor alongside her studies in biopsychology, complement Bo’s lifelong interest in creativity, which began with detailed sketches and evolved into an exploration of diverse mediums. In 2021, after completing their first year of graduate school, they began painting together in the evenings—a creative outlet that soon blossomed into a shared artistic practice. Now based in Louisiana, where they are both pursuing PhDs in Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Neuroscience at LSU Health Shreveport, Bo and Frances dedicate hours each week to creating art in their home studio. Their work is deeply informed by their dual identities as scientists and artists, blending their fascination with the natural world, human cognition, and the beauty of life’s intricate details.

Artist Statement: Our art is a celebration of curiosity, connection, and the interplay between science and creativity. As behavioral neuropharmacologists, we explore the complexities of the mind, and as artists, we seek to translate that wonder into visual form. Our work often draws on themes of exploration, transformation, and the human experience, blending vibrant colors, fluid lines, and textured layers to evoke emotion and inspire reflection. Creating together is an extension of our partnership—a dynamic exchange of ideas, perspectives, and experimentation. Whether through bold strokes of paint or delicate ink sketches, we aim to convey a sense of discovery and interconnectedness. We see science and art not as opposing disciplines but as complementary tools for understanding the world and communicating its beauty. Through our art, we hope to move people, spark conversation, and remind others of the shared creativity that unites us all. We believe in the power of art to inspire change and leave the world a little brighter than we found it.
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