July 2024 - Nurture with Yally

In the electrifying realm where science meets art, Wayne Strattman stands out as a true luminary.

A pioneer in plasma art, Strattman has spent decades revolutionizing light-based sculptures and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with ionized gas.

Wayne Strattman has a background in both art and engineering, which has significantly influenced his approach to plasma art. His journey began with a fascination for neon signs, but his innovative spirit quickly led him to explore uncharted territories.

His signature works involve custom-made glass vessels filled with noble gases like neon, argon, and xenon. When excited by electricity, these gases produce mesmerizing displays of colored light and intricate patterns that go far beyond conventional neon art.

What sets Strattman apart is his unique blend of artistic vision and scientific expertise. He’s not just an artist; he’s also an inventor holding multiple patents for plasma lighting technologies.

These innovations include advanced electrode designs, specialized gas mixtures, and methods for creating three-dimensional plasma sculptures. One of his most famous contributions is his work with plasma spheres – interactive globes of light that respond to touch and sound, creating an intimate connection between the viewer and the artwork.

Strattman’s large-scale installations have transformed public spaces around the world. These immersive light experiences often incorporate elements of interactivity, responding to viewers’ movements or environmental factors like sound or temperature.

Lightning Bolt

Installed at the Museum of Science in Boston, this piece is a striking example of Strattman’s ability to combine art and science. The sculpture mimics the appearance of lightning, creating a powerful visual impact.

Electroactive

Located at the Boston Logan International Airport, this installation features a series of plasma tubes that respond to the presence of viewers, creating a dynamic and interactive light display.

Plasma Wall

An installation that can be found in various science centers and museums, the Plasma Wall is a large panel filled with plasma that changes color and patterns in response to electrical signals, creating an ever-changing visual experience.

Strattman’s plasma sculptures are not only artistic masterpieces but also serve as educational tools, illustrating the principles of plasma physics in an accessible and engaging way.

His book, "Neon Techniques: Handbook of Neon Sign and Cold-Cathode Lighting," is considered a definitive guide in the industry.

"The Art of Plasma" by Wayne Strattman is a comprehensive exploration of the intersection between science and art through the medium of plasma.

This comprehensive work covers everything from the physics of neon lighting and glass-blowing techniques to electrical systems and safety procedures.

It’s an invaluable resource for both professionals and artists looking to incorporate plasma techniques into their work.

He’s developed methods for creating sculptural plasma formations, moving beyond tube-based designs into complex, three-dimensional artworks.

His patents likely cover techniques for integrating plasma lighting with other technologies like LEDs and digital controls, allowing for more sophisticated and responsive lighting systems.

Some examples are Plasma Tubes with Electrode Apparatus, Interactive Plasma Display System, and High–Efficiency Plasma Lighting.

As we look to the future of art and technology, creators like Wayne Strattman remind us of the magic that happens when scientific innovation meets artistic vision.

For art enthusiasts and tech lovers alike, Strattman’s work offers a glimpse into a world where light becomes a living, breathing medium.

It’s not just art you see; it’s art you experience, art that responds, art that challenges our perceptions of what’s possible when we dare to think beyond conventional boundaries.

His contributions have not only advanced the technical aspects of plasma displays but also expanded their applications in both artistic and commercial settings.

“Essentially what I do is take electricity and turn it into light using glass as the medium” -Wayne Strattman

Click here and check out this website--Strattman Design

What do you think about Plasma art?

Ensuring your child’s cognitive development is healthy is a multifaceted task. It requires careful attention to various aspects of their daily life, from sleep patterns and diet to managing screen time.

In this blog post, we will discuss just a few things like the importance of quality sleep, key metabolites like magnesium threonate, the benefits of reducing processed food intake, and how to manage screen time to protect your child’s circadian rhythm.

Implementing these strategies will help safeguard and enhance your child’s cognitive function.

1. The Critical Role of Sleep

Why Sleep Matters

Sleep is the cornerstone of cognitive health. During sleep, the brain consolidates memories, processes information, and detoxifies itself.

Sufficient, quality sleep is crucial for attention, learning, and emotional regulation in children.

Establishing a Routine

Creating a consistent bedtime routine helps regulate your child’s internal clock.

Engage in calming pre-sleep activities such as reading a book, breathing exercises, taking warm baths, or gentle 5-minute yoga.

Optimal Sleep Environment

A conducive sleep environment significantly enhances sleep quality. Ensure your child’s bedroom is cool, dark, and quiet.

Using blackout curtains and white noise machines can help create an ideal sleep setting.

Advocating for Later School Start Times for Adolescents

Research consistently shows that adolescents, ages 13-18, benefit significantly from later school start times.

During puberty, teenagers experience a natural shift in their circadian rhythms, making it difficult for them to fall asleep early and wake up early.

Starting school later in the morning aligns with their biological sleep patterns, improving their overall health, academic performance, and emotional well-being.

How do we go about advocating for that you say?

To advocate for later school start times, educate the community about the benefits through research and seminars, build a supportive coalition of parents, students, and professionals, and engage with school boards and policymakers to propose and test changes.

Utilize media and public platforms for awareness, highlight successful examples from other schools, and address potential challenges like transportation and after-school activities.

By combining these efforts, you can effectively push for a school schedule that better aligns with adolescents’ natural sleep patterns and supports their academic and emotional well-being.

2. Harnessing the Power of Metabolites

Metabolites are small molecules produced during metabolism, which is the process of converting food and other substances into energy and building blocks for the body.

Magnesium L-Threonate

Magnesium L-threonate is known for its ability to enhance cognitive function and support brain health. This specific form of magnesium can cross the blood-brain barrier, making it particularly effective for improving memory and learning.

Melatonin

Melatonin is a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles. For children who have difficulty falling asleep, small amounts of melatonin supplements can be beneficial.

Metabolites are produced naturally in the body as a result of metabolic processes.

However, it's important to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen.

Metabolites are things that the body recognizes, breaks down and gets rid of. They do not create dependency or tachyphylaxis nor would they create a long-term reliance.

3. Nutrition

Proper nutrition supplies the brain with essential nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins, which are critical for cognitive function and neural health.

Farm-to-Table Approach

Shortening the distance from farm to table ensures fresher, more nutrient-dense foods. Incorporate more fresh fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains into your child’s diet.

Local farmers’ markets and community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs are excellent resources.

Cutting Back on Processed Foods

In this day and age it all seems impossible, but we all trying our best. Reducing processed food intake and focusing on whole foods can provide your child with the necessary nutrients for brain health.

Processed foods often contain additives and sugars that can negatively impact cognitive development.

Children’s flavor profile changes as they age, they actually start to enjoy the taste of food dyes and artificial flavoring more than natural whole foods.

4. Managing Screen Time and Blue Light Exposure

Blue Light and Circadian Rhythm

Exposure to blue light from screens can disrupt the production of melatonin, throwing off the circadian rhythm and impacting sleep quality. This disruption can lead to difficulties in concentration and learning.

Replacing Blue Light with Red Light

To mitigate blue light exposure, consider using red light in the evenings. Red light does not interfere with melatonin production and helps create a more conducive environment for sleep.

Red light bulbs or filters can be used in bedrooms and common areas during the evening hours.

There are settings on your devices where you can turn on a red light screen at certain hours of the night to reduce the amount of blue light that goes into the brain.

Setting Boundaries

Limiting screen time, especially in the hours leading up to bedtime, is crucial. My daughter has little to no screen time during the weekdays.

Encourage activities that do not involve screens, such as reading, puzzles, arts and crafts, or family games, to help your child wind down in the evening.

By emphasizing the importance of quality sleep, incorporating beneficial metabolites, improving nutrition, and managing screen time, you can significantly enhance your child’s cognitive development.

As parents, we juggle countless responsibilities and navigate a complex world of choices for our children. It’s important to remember that no one expects us to be perfect or to tackle everything all at once.

The first step towards supporting our children’s well-being is to educate ourselves about what’s best for them, and from there, we can make gradual, meaningful changes.

By taking it one step at a time, we can create a nurturing environment that fosters our children’s growth and happiness, knowing that every small effort counts in the journey toward their best future.

Take care of you and yours.

Month: July 2024

Wayne Strattman and the Intersection of Art and Science