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Painting the MIRA

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Marty’s beloved Daihatsu Mira is finally getting a full restoration and paint job.

Also something to note around Mighty Car Mods: we are normal guys and are not trained mechanics. We like to make interesting car mods and show you how we’ve gone about it, but we can’t promise that anything we show you will work for your particular car, or that you won’t harm yourself, someone else, your car or your warranty doing it. Please be safe, be responsible and unless you know what you’re doing, do not fool around with very serious machinery just because you’ve seen us make it look so easy. Talk to a qualified mechanic if you are in any doubt.

What was the vision behind Jaymie Johnson’s design for painting the MIRA?

Painting the MIRA: A Bridging of Art and Science

The MIRA spectrograph is a tunnel-like instrument that captures light emitted by distant celestial bodies. It is a powerful tool that allows astronomers to study the composition, temperature, and motion of stars and galaxies. However, beneath its functional exterior lies an object of visual appeal—a blank slate ready to be transformed into a work of art.

In 2015, the MIRA spectrograph project team at the Herzberg Astronomy and Astrophysics Research Centre in Canada embarked on an unconventional endeavor. They invited artists to submit proposals for painting the MIRA, which was then located at the Dominion Astrophysical Observatory near Victoria. The aim was not just to beautify an instrument, but to promote a dialogue between astronomy and art, and to convey, through artistic means, the importance of the MIRA to scientific research.

Out of the many proposals received, the team selected the design by Vancouver-based artist, Jaymie Johnson. Her vision was to create a mural-like painting inspired by the Mira variable star, which is known for its pulsating brightness. Johnson’s design featured a vibrant explosion of color and geometric shapes that flowed along the surface of the MIRA, seemingly mirroring the dynamic nature of the cosmos.

To bring the painting to life, Johnson and her team applied a painstaking process of stencil and brush techniques over several days. The paint had to be carefully chosen to ensure that it adhered to the metal surface of the MIRA and withstood the elements. The final result was a stunning symphony of hues and patterns that transformed the MIRA into a work of art that makes a bold statement.

The painting of the MIRA raises questions about the relationship between art and science, and whether they share common goals. While science seeks to discover and explain the workings of the universe, art aims to express the emotional and intuitive responses to the universe. Yet, the two fields are not mutually exclusive—both rely on observation, experimentation, and creativity. As astronomer, Dr. Jon Willis, who worked on the MIRA project notes, “the beauty of the universe inspires scientists and artists alike, to try and capture and convey something so powerful and profound.”

The painting of the MIRA represents a convergence of these two ways of seeing the world. It amplifies the aesthetic appeal of an instrument whose value lies in its data-gathering capabilities. It helps to engage a wider audience with the wonders of the universe, and it demonstrates the potential for collaboration and innovation across disciplines.

Moreover, the painting of the MIRA reminds us of the importance of beauty in our pursuit of knowledge. In his book, The Poetics of Space, philosopher Gaston Bachelard writes, “we experience beauty when we take into ourselves something larger than ourselves.” The MIRA, with its painted surface, becomes a tangible representation of the wonder and awe that the universe evokes. The painting invites us to contemplate the mysteries of the cosmos, and to appreciate the human endeavor to unravel them, both through science and art.

In conclusion, painting the MIRA is not just about aesthetic enhancement, but a symbolic gesture that illuminates the synergy between art and science. The painting of the MIRA represents a shared pursuit, a desire to expand our understanding of the universe, and a celebration of the creative human spirit. It is a reminder that beauty is not a luxury, but a vital part of the human experience.