"A Material World" -- an exhibit of paintings by senior Trevor Balduck is running now through February 5 at Pierpont Commons (to the left of the Fireside Cafe). The collection of eight paintings were inspired by his research in the Marquis group, where they study how certain metal alloys respond to high-temperature environments. The following is a behind-the-canvas Q&A with Trevor about his beautiful artwork.

When and how did you become interested in painting?
I’ve always had a passion for painting, though it started as a hobby rather than a serious pursuit. As a child, I was captivated by watching Bob Ross every morning before school. His ability to transform a blank canvas into stunning depictions of nature with such elegance and simplicity truly inspired me. Painting, to me, is a pure and creative process—everyone begins with a blank canvas, and through layers of colors and strokes, something unique emerges from what initially feels abstract.

How did your research influence this series?
This series is deeply rooted in my research. I work in the Marquis Research Group, where we study how certain metal alloys respond to high-temperature environments. Many of the abstract elements in my paintings are inspired by the processes and methodologies I use in my research. The connection between science and art became a central theme in this work, and in some ways, this series was created to glamorize the seemingly mundane tasks which I completed everyday and demonstrate that this research is truly an art.

Is there something about materials that sparks your creativity?
Absolutely. I find materials fascinating, especially at the micro- and nanoscale. Their structures are often incredibly intricate and visually stunning. Many researchers have even turned images of materials into art. What truly inspires me, however, is the concept of a hidden world. In materials science, we explore how seemingly simple, everyday materials are composed of complex, well-designed structures. In my paintings, I strive to deconstruct what I observe—breaking objects into patterns and shapes to reflect their beauty and form.

What are your plans for next year, and do you plan to continue painting?
Next year, I plan to continue my research with the Marquis Group. Painting will always remain a part of my life—it’s something I’ll never give up. Looking ahead, I’d like to embark on a second series inspired by materials science, focusing on nanoscale characterization techniques such as AFM, SEM, FIB, and XRD. It’s an exciting way to merge my research and artistic interests further.