Science  Write  Now

‘Under the Microscope’ is the next episode in Cognitive Conversations, a series where we tackle the big questions in creativity and neuroscience. This conversation delves into the creative process, visual art and storytelling, the science of colour, environmental science, and so much more. Each episode you’ll hear from a range of experts across the arts and sciences (which have much more in common than you may think!). This series is hosted and produced by Bianca Millroy, an emerging science writer, editor, and PhD student based in Meanjin (Brisbane).

Cognitive Conversations #2 - “Under the Microscope: Art and Science as Intervention”

We're delighted to be bringing this next episode to you: a rich synergy of minds discussing the ways in which art and science intersect, and all the fascinating connections in-between. In this episode, we explore the stories of three creative practitioners living with neurological and chronic health conditions, and how they’ve come to their creative practice through this lived experience, or vice versa; how illness has shaped and redefined their creative process.

We unpack the creative mindset and “day in the life of…” two writers and an artist, discussing everything  from memoir to crime thrillers; biography and nonfiction; to artistic practices inspired by the microscopic details in nature. We talk about the (dis)connections perceived in art and science, and how the act of creating – whether writing or painting – has the capacity to re-frame the narrative and transform us… or at the very least, can help us to make sense of our lives.  

Lastly we deep-dive the sticky myths and taboos of the medical world: so-called ‘rare’ diseases, how a diagnosis can lead to other realisations about ourselves, and the ‘So, what next?’ moment post-diagnosis – the barriers to accessing specialists and treatment. We chat about how creativity can be incorporated into your life, in any form, whilst managing a chronic illness, and how it might inform another story yet to be told; the story of recovery and progress.

Meet our guests

Dr Katerina Bryant is a writer based in Adelaide on Kaurna Land. Her first book, Hysteria: A Memoir of Illness, Strength and Women’s Stories Throughout History was published in 2020. Katerina completed her PhD, a hybrid memoir/biography of the first woman clown in America, in 2022. She is currently a South Australian Literary Fellow at the State Library of South Australia, working on a manuscript about women and chess.

Visit Katerina’s website | Connect on X: @katerina_bry

Ashley Kalagian Blunt is a writer, speaker and podcaster based in Sydney on Gadigal Land of the Eora Nation. Her bestselling psychological thriller, Dark Mode, was shortlisted for the 2024 Ned Kelly Award and the ABIA General Fiction Book of the Year. She is the author of two previous books, How to Be Australian, a memoir, and My Name Is Revenge, a thriller novella and collected essays. Ashley is a frequent speaker and panel moderator, and co-hosts a podcast on writing, creativity and health.

Visit Ashley’s website | Instagram | X | Facebook

Chelsea Hopkins-Allan is a visual artist based in Western Australia (Minang Noongar land). Chelsea started painting at 24 when she became unwell with a rare neurological and metabolic condition that went undiagnosed for the next 12 years. Her paintings began as something purely personal and functional in a difficult time when she could no longer work as an environmental scientist. Her artistic practice began exploring the microscopic scales of butterfly wings, which evolved into an in-depth investigation of the Great Southern moth species found in her local region. Chelsea lives in Albany with her small rescue-parrot Opal and dog Django who keep her company while she paints.

Visit Chelsea’s website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube

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We’ll be back with another episode soon, and more Cognitive Conversations to come!

We acknowledge the Jaegara/Yugara and Turrbal People, Traditional Owners of the land on which this episode was created, and the cultural unceded lands on which our guests live and continue to make and tell stories.