Dr Andrew Howells
Senior Lecturer
School of Humanities, Creative Ind and Social Sci (Design and Natural History Illustration)
- Email:andrew.howells@newcastle.edu.au
- Phone:(02) 4921 5357
Andrew Howells is illustrating the importance of cross-disciplinary research
Dr Andrew Howells has created a series of 60 illustrations that assist scientists to visually assess the health of captive Asian elephants. Now he is looking to expand this work to other species in captivity.
After years working in animation, graphic design and later as a freelance illustrator, it was a conversation with a veterinary science friend that sparked Andrew’s interest in completing a PhD in Natural History Illustration.
“My friend, Dr Roy McClements, was a very tall man and he was researching penguins. So I thought it would be a great composition for a portrait. I did a life size portrait of him for a portrait competition, and while he was sitting for it we were talking about his research,” Andrew recalls.
“I said, ‘what’s next’ and he said, ‘elephants’.
“He and his colleagues had identified nine different conditions that an elephant could be categorised, from emaciated through to obese, so they thought they would collate a whole collection of photographs describing those different conditions.
“However, as I pointed out to him, then you are going to have nine different animals with nine different body conditions in nine different environments with nine different photographers. There are all these variables, which means it is going to be hard to see the difference between them. You might have an emaciated animal that is heavily dappled in pigmentation behind a tree in a jungle, and you might have an obese animal that is photographed in a zoo that is completely lit against a clean background.”
That’s why the role of the illustrator is so important. We can take what is unseeable and make it ‘seeable’. It is a really descriptive role that is all based on being accurate in representing and contextualising factual information.
This led Andrew to complete a Research Masters and, later, a PhD in Natural History Illustration at the University of Newcastle.
The discipline of Natural History Illustration has been around for a long time, and the relationship between scientist and natural history illustrator is historically founded. However, Newcastle currently has the only degree program in Natural History Illustration in Australia, and is one of only a few internationally.
For the elephant project, Andrew spent four years working from information provided by scientists and photographs, as well as observing the elephants at Taronga Zoo in Sydney, Australia, and at the Fort Worth Zoo in Texas, US.
“After I had the chance to study elephants in Australia and get some ideas on paper, then I worked with researchers in the US to look at their elephants and have a discussion about how to really refine the drawings to describe specific anatomical detail. From there, it was up to me to take it to the next level and create the resource set,” he explained.
“I would like to create resources across a range of species that are an active part of research in the conservation space.
“The head of conservation research at Taronga has been very supportive of my work and I am looking forward to working on new projects with them in the future.”
Andrew Howells is illustrating the importance of cross-disciplinary research
Dr Andrew Howells has created a series of 60 illustrations that assist scientists to visually assess the health of captive Asian elephants.
Career Summary
Biography
Dr Andrew Howells is a Lecturer in Natural History Illustration at the University of Newcastle. His research interests include conservation science, digital and traditional illustration practice, and drawing as enquiry. His PhD research was based on the confluence of these topics in a project titled Elephant: Art and Science. In line with his research interests, Dr Howells teaches into the Natural History Illustration program with a focus on; studio studies, field studies and scientific illustration courses. He also brings with him valuable industry experience, having held roles in amination, graphic design and illustration in both an agency and freelance contexts.
Research ExpertiseArea of research focus: -- Drawing as inquiry -- Digital/Traditional Illustration Practice -- Natural History Illustration -- Art and Science collaboration These research topics formed the basis of my PhD research titled Elephant: art and Science
Collaborations
Andrew's research focus is on the role of art and science in collaborative research. Andrew's PhD research sore him collaborate with veterinary science researchers in the development of a tool for the visual assessment of body condition for captive Asian Elephants. Andrew is currently developing a research relationship with Sydney's Taronga zoo, with a focus on the role of the artist/illustrator in conservation science.
Qualifications
- PhD, University of Newcastle
- Bachelor of Fine Art, University of Newcastle
Keywords
- Art and Science Collaboration
- Digital Illustration
- Drawing
- Drawing Practice
- Illustration
- Illustration Methods
- Natural History Illustration
Languages
- English (Fluent)
Fields of Research
Code | Description | Percentage |
---|---|---|
330306 | Design practice and methods | 40 |
330316 | Visual communication design (incl. graphic design) | 30 |
Professional Experience
UON Appointment
Title | Organisation / Department |
---|---|
Senior Lecturer | University of Newcastle School of Creative Industries Australia |
Professional appointment
Dates | Title | Organisation / Department |
---|---|---|
1/1/2004 - 1/9/2005 | Senior Graphic Designer | Creata Promotion Australia Pty Ltd Creative Department Australia |
Awards
Award
Year | Award |
---|---|
2016 |
Faculty of Award for Collaboration Excellence - Faculty of Science and Information Technology The University of Newcastle Faculty of Science and Information Technology, The University of Newcastle | Australia |
2016 |
Vice Chancellor’s Award for Collaboration Excellence The University of Newcastle The University of Newcastle | Australia |
Prize
Year | Award |
---|---|
2017 |
2017 - edX Prize for Exceptional Contributions in Online Teaching and Learning edX |
Publications
For publications that are currently unpublished or in-press, details are shown in italics.
Book (1 outputs)
Year | Citation | Altmetrics | Link | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2018 |
Howells A, Drabsch B, Atkins D, Sailer P, Weekes TC, Observe, Research, Create Case Studies in Natural History Illustration PhD Projects, Common Ground Research Networks, University of Illinois Research Park | 2001 South First St., 202 | Champaign, IL 61820 USA, 102 (2018) [A1]
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Nova |
Chapter (1 outputs)
Year | Citation | Altmetrics | Link |
---|---|---|---|
2022 | Drabsch B, Howells A, O'Donnell L, 'The Coffin of Mer-Neith-it-es: Justified', Speak My Name Investigating Egyptian Mummies, Sydney University Press, Sydney 100-126 (2022) |
Journal article (3 outputs)
Year | Citation | Altmetrics | Link | |||||
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2021 |
Drabsch B, Howells A, O Donnell L, 'A Colorful Past: Digitally Recoloring the Sarcophagus of Mer-Neith-it-es', Design Principles and Practices, 16 163-167 (2021) The authenticity of museum displays has been a hotly debated topic for many years. While digital visualization methods are now commonly employed in a range of humanities contexts,... [more] The authenticity of museum displays has been a hotly debated topic for many years. While digital visualization methods are now commonly employed in a range of humanities contexts, it is increasingly recognized that there is a need to ensure that such work is intellectually and technically rigorous. Faced with this challenge, researchers Drabsch, Howells, and O¿Donnell were asked to digitally re-color a high-definition 3D scan of the 2600-year-old faded timber sarcophagus of Mer-Neith-it-es and to produce an educational animation for museum display at the new Chau Chak Wing Museum, Sydney.
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2019 |
Drabsch B, Howells A, Lloyd C, 'Blending Graphite with Pixels: Natural History Illustration Online', The International Journal of Arts Education, 14 1-13 (2019) [C1]
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Nova | ||||||
2015 | Howells AN, 'How does cross-disciplinary exchange influence interpretation for the Natural History Illustrator?', VaroomLab Journal, 19-33 (2015) [C1] | Nova |
Conference (2 outputs)
Year | Citation | Altmetrics | Link | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2024 |
Chand A, Howells A, Male A, Minichiello M, Killen C, O'Donnell L, Barnes-Keoghan A, 'Illustration Research : Exploring the Role of Non-traditional Research Outcomes and Exhibition', Peer Review Proceedings of the Sixteenth International Conference on Design Principles & Practices, Newcastle (2024)
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Nova | ||||||
2014 | Howells AN, 'Technology, Illustration and Science', Symposium SPECTRA 2012, CSIRO, Black Mountain, Canberra (2014) [E1] | Nova |
Creative Work (12 outputs)
Year | Citation | Altmetrics | Link | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2022 |
Chand A, Howells A, O'Donnel L, Barnes-Keoghan A, SEEKING VISION: INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION OF ILLUSTRATION RESEARCH, THE SIXTEENTH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON DESIGN PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICES, Online (2022)
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2020 | Drabsch B, Howells A, O'Donnell L, Mer-Neith-it-es animation at the Chau Chak Wing Museum, Chau Chak Wing Museum, The University of Sydney, University of Sydney (2020) [N1] | Nova | |||
2020 |
Drabsch B, Howells A, Lloyd C, Drawing Nature, Science and Culture: Natural History Illustration 101, EdX Platform, EdX Platform (2020)
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2015 | Howells AN, Atkins D, Broughton Island, The Art of Adventure, Newcastle Museum (2015) [J2] | ||||
2015 |
Brooker CJ, Cross K, Minichiello M, Roxburgh M, Howells A, Atkins D, et al., Making it Known, Curve Gallery, http://www.making-it-known.com/catalogue/ (2015) [J2]
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2015 | Howells A, Atkins D, Weekes T, Sailer P, Dedman L, Purnell T, et al., Illuminating Science, Lovett Gallery (2015) [J2] | ||||
2015 |
Brooker C, Cross K, Making It Known (2015) [J2]
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2013 | Howells AN, Howells A, Wild Tone, The Newcastle Theatre Company, Newcastle, NSW, Australia (2013) [J3] | ||||
Show 9 more creative works |
Other (2 outputs)
Year | Citation | Altmetrics | Link | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2022 |
Chand A, Howells A, Male A, Embury G, Vyner T, Johnson R, et al., 'SEEKING VISION: INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION OF ILLUSTRATION RESEARCH CATALOGUE', SEEKING VISION GALLERY CATALOGUE ( pp.1-1). Online: Common Ground (2022)
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2019 | Drabsch B, Howells A, 'Drawing on the Past', ( issue.24 pp.26-29). Sydney: The University of Sydney (2019) |
Presentation (6 outputs)
Year | Citation | Altmetrics | Link |
---|---|---|---|
2019 | Drabsch B, Howells A, O'Donnell L, 'Recolouring the coffin', (2019) | ||
2019 | Wood M, Harrison T, Carter E, Whitford M, Drabsch B, Howells A, et al., 'The Mer-Neith-it-es Project', (2019) | ||
2019 | Drabsch B, Howells A, 'Digitally re-colouring the coffin of mer-neith-it-es: a 26th dynasty egyptian priestess', (2019) | ||
Show 3 more presentations |
Thesis / Dissertation (1 outputs)
Year | Citation | Altmetrics | Link |
---|---|---|---|
2014 | Howells AN, Elephant: Art and Science, The University of Newcastle (2014) |
Grants and Funding
Summary
Number of grants | 7 |
---|---|
Total funding | $98,983 |
Click on a grant title below to expand the full details for that specific grant.
20221 grants / $14,000
International Illustration Research Network$14,000
Funding body: College of Human and Social Futures | University of Newcastle
Funding body | College of Human and Social Futures | University of Newcastle |
---|---|
Project Team | Dr Ari Chand (lead), Dr Andrew Howells, Dr Chloe Killen, Mr Barnes-Keoghan, Mr Luke O'Donnell, Conjoint Professor Alan Male, Professor Mario Minichiello, and 33 academic collaborators from national and international institutions |
Scheme | CHSF - Pilot Research Scheme: Projects, Pivots, Partnerships |
Role | Investigator |
Funding Start | 2022 |
Funding Finish | 2022 |
GNo | |
Type Of Funding | Internal |
Category | INTE |
UON | N |
20201 grants / $7,085
Drawing Education Network$7,085
Funding body: Faculty of Education and Arts, University of Newcastle
Funding body | Faculty of Education and Arts, University of Newcastle |
---|---|
Project Team | Dr Ari Chand (Lead), Dr Caelli Brooker, Dr Jane Shadbolt, Mr Carl Morgan, Dr Andrew Howells, Mr Alex Barnes-Keoghan, Dr Lisa Thurlow |
Scheme | Strategic Network and Pilot Project Grants Scheme |
Role | Investigator |
Funding Start | 2020 |
Funding Finish | 2020 |
GNo | |
Type Of Funding | Internal |
Category | INTE |
UON | N |
20182 grants / $17,398
The Visualsing Humanities Research Project$15,398
Funding body: University of Sydney
Funding body | University of Sydney |
---|---|
Project Team | Doctor Bernadette Drabsch, Doctor Andrew Howells |
Scheme | Nicholson Museum |
Role | Investigator |
Funding Start | 2018 |
Funding Finish | 2020 |
GNo | G1800102 |
Type Of Funding | C3200 – Aust Not-for Profit |
Category | 3200 |
UON | Y |
13th International Conference on The Arts in Society, Canada, 27-29 June 2018$2,000
Funding body: Faculty of Education and Arts, University of Newcastle
Funding body | Faculty of Education and Arts, University of Newcastle |
---|---|
Project Team | Andrew Howells |
Scheme | FEDUA Conference Travel Grant |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2018 |
Funding Finish | 2018 |
GNo | |
Type Of Funding | Internal |
Category | INTE |
UON | N |
20151 grants / $7,500
New Staff Grant (NSG) Faculty of Science and Information Technology The University of Newcastle$7,500
Funding body: Faculty of Science and Information Technology The University of Newcastle
Funding body | Faculty of Science and Information Technology The University of Newcastle |
---|---|
Scheme | New Staff Grant (NSG) |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2015 |
Funding Finish | 2015 |
GNo | |
Type Of Funding | Internal |
Category | INTE |
UON | N |
20141 grants / $2,000
Faculty PVC Conference Assistance Grant 2014$2,000
Funding body: University of Newcastle - Faculty of Science & IT
Funding body | University of Newcastle - Faculty of Science & IT |
---|---|
Project Team | Doctor Andrew Howells |
Scheme | PVC Conference Assistance Grant |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2014 |
Funding Finish | 2014 |
GNo | G1401215 |
Type Of Funding | Internal |
Category | INTE |
UON | Y |
20091 grants / $51,000
Australian Postgraduate Award$51,000
Funding body: Australian Government Department of Education
Funding body | Australian Government Department of Education |
---|---|
Project Team | Andrew Howells |
Scheme | Australian Postgraduate Award |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2009 |
Funding Finish | 2011 |
GNo | |
Type Of Funding | Aust Competitive - Commonwealth |
Category | 1CS |
UON | N |
Research Supervision
Number of supervisions
Current Supervision
Commenced | Level of Study | Research Title | Program | Supervisor Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
2023 | Masters | The Extinction Crisis – An A-Z Anthology Of Current Endangered Australian Wildlife | M Philosophy (Nat Hist Illust), College of Human and Social Futures, The University of Newcastle | Principal Supervisor |
2020 | PhD | Reconstructing the Extinct Avifauna of the Cenozoic Era: Developing a Comprehensive Framework using Australian Examples | PhD (Natural History Illustr), College of Human and Social Futures, The University of Newcastle | Principal Supervisor |
2018 | PhD | Atoms, Molecules and Enzymes: 3D and Animation Practices as a Mechanism to Visualise Quantum Theory | PhD (Natural History Illustr), College of Human and Social Futures, The University of Newcastle | Principal Supervisor |
2017 | PhD | Art and Climate: How can the Natural History Artist Disseminate Scientific Data on Impacts of Climate Change on Coastal Estuarine Ecosystems | PhD (Natural History Illustr), College of Human and Social Futures, The University of Newcastle | Principal Supervisor |
2017 | PhD | Valid Archaeological Reconstruction in the Ancient World: A Case Study of the Middle Bronze Age Temples at Pella in Jordan | PhD (Natural History Illustr), College of Human and Social Futures, The University of Newcastle | Principal Supervisor |
2016 | PhD | More than Coal: Exploring Natural History Illustration Practice as a Way to Fuel Endemophilia in the Lower Hunter Valley | PhD (Natural History Illustr), College of Human and Social Futures, The University of Newcastle | Principal Supervisor |
Past Supervision
Year | Level of Study | Research Title | Program | Supervisor Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
2023 | PhD | A Shared Pathway To Discovery: Examining the contribution a Natural History Illustrator can make to scientific research. Visualising the ageing of the human placenta case study. | PhD (Natural History Illustr), College of Human and Social Futures, The University of Newcastle | Principal Supervisor |
2020 | PhD | Expressions of Interest | PhD (Design), College of Human and Social Futures, The University of Newcastle | Principal Supervisor |
2019 | PhD | Mycelee Obsession: The Development of a Comprehensive Field and Laboratory- Based Guide for Scientific Mycological Illustration | PhD (Natural History Illustr), College of Human and Social Futures, The University of Newcastle | Co-Supervisor |
2019 | PhD | The Art and Science of Botanical Illustration and Identification: Developing an Illustrated Handbook to the Iconic Wildflowers of Muogamarra Nature Reserve | PhD (Natural History Illustr), College of Human and Social Futures, The University of Newcastle | Co-Supervisor |
2018 | PhD | Representing the `Bushland Campus': Investigating Natural History Illustration Methodology to Develop a Bushland Chorography | PhD (Natural History Illustr), College of Human and Social Futures, The University of Newcastle | Principal Supervisor |
2018 | PhD | Beyond Exploration: Illustrating the Botanical Legacy of the German/Australian Explorer Friedrich Wilhelm Ludwig Leichhardt Based on his Written Observations, Letters and Herbarium Specimens 1842-1844 | PhD (Natural History Illustr), College of Human and Social Futures, The University of Newcastle | Co-Supervisor |
News
News • 8 Dec 2017
World-first UON course draws international recognition
A world-first online course from the University of Newcastle (UON) has received global recognition, taking out the prestigious edX Prize for Exceptional Contributions in Online Learning and Teaching at an international ceremony.
News • 28 Sep 2016
World-first online course grants access to leading Australian artists
The University of Newcastle, Australia (UON) has partnered with edX, the leading online learning destination founded by Harvard and MIT, to provide a world-first illustration course from UON’s prestigious Natural History Illustration program.
Dr Andrew Howells
Position
Senior Lecturer
School of Humanities, Creative Ind and Social Sci
College of Human and Social Futures
Focus area
Design and Natural History Illustration
Contact Details
andrew.howells@newcastle.edu.au | |
Phone | (02) 4921 5357 |
Office
Room | Level 4 - NewSpace |
---|---|
Building | NewSpace |
Location | NewSpace - City Campus , |