Today, we're talking with Don Davis, an artist and illustrator who has spent his career helping us imagine the wonders of space. His work with NASA, Carl Sagan, and the U. S. Geological Survey's branch of Astrogeologic Studies has been seen by millions and helps us bridge the gap between imagination and reality.

In this conversation, we talk about Don's childhood fascination with space, the influence of science fiction on his work, and how the ideas around space colonization evolved.

(00:00) Reflecting on historical parallels between Apollo 11.

(05:32) Fascination with space exploration during childhood.

(08:01) Joining the USGS

(12:57) Moon Paintings

(15:38) Meeting Carl Sagan

(20:40) Relationship between knowledge and art

(22:45) Dinosaur reconstruction

(27:49) Exploring Mars

(31:58) Miniatures & Models

(35:04) Painting Space Settlements

(37:30) Future of rocketry

(42:29) 2001: A Space Odyssey

(43:59) Willie Lay and,"Engineer's Dreams"

(51:13) What's next for Don

(53:42) Quote from "Shape of Things to Come"

Thanks for joining us for this episode of the Build The Future Podcast!

Podcast Info:
Website: https://www.buildthefuturepodcast.com/
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/build-the-future/id1516358690
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4gV7PsoAzDlil4jAKpSrYm
Youtube Full Episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@worldsfairco

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X: @camwiese
Website: http://www.donaldedavis.com/

X: @DDAVISSPACEART

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#79 — Don Davis: Space Art & Humanity's Future