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RedditJennifer Drapkin and Sarah Zielinski teamed up to report and write “Celestial Sleuth,” a feature about “forensic astronomer” Don Olson’s quest to solve artistic mysteries in Smithsonian’s April issue. Drapkin is a former Smithsonian writing intern who has written for The Village Voice, The Week, Psychology Today and Smithsonian. She is currently a senior editor at Mental Floss magazine. Zielinski is an assistant editor at Smithsonian and a blogger for Smithsonian.com’s Surprising Science.
What drew you to this story?
Drapkin: My grandfather was an amateur astronomer, and he's the one who told me about Olson's work. Solving mysteries with the stars was all the rage in his retirement community.
What was your favorite moment during your research and reporting?
Drapkin: Looking at the paintings! Seriously, the piece was a great excuse to spend quality time with some of my favorite works of art.
What did you find most interesting about Olson’s manner of studying art?
Drapkin: It's the way he picks up on details. Most people look at a painting and see the subject. He sees how the subject came out of the three-dimensional world.
Comments
Donald Olson is my brother-in-law and I have been fascinated by his work and the details that he is able to incorporate into each subject. My sister, Marilynn and her husband Don with their students and friend Russell have traveled all over the world exploring the science behind the creations. What an incredible thing to be able to do and share ! I have always loved Van Gogh's starry night and have often wondered if the constellations are true to life..THEY ARE :) I can't look at the sky and stars the same way anymore, thanks to Don and his curiosity.
Posted by Elizabeth Stark on April 9,2009 | 04:36PM