Andrea Macdonald, founder of ideaXme, interviews Nicole Stott who talks about her very human story and the big ideas she continues to play a part in to shape our world.
Watch and discover how the support of mentors, love of her family, a passion for flying and aeronautical engineering led to her spending over a hundred days in Space and experiencing a life changing event which she brings to life in her paintings today.
Scroll down for Nicole Stott’s interview with ideaXme.
Background:
So who is Nicole Stott?
“Seeing the Earth from space, Nicole had an epiphany. In awe of the overwhelming beauty of our planet, she knew that she would dedicate the rest of her life to sharing that experience with others. She believes that sharing this perspective can increase everyone’s appreciation of and obligation to care for our home planet and each other.
Always an Artist, Nicole brought a small watercolor kit with her on her mission to the International Space Station (ISS). She is the first Astronaut to paint in space.
Nicole is a veteran astronaut with two spaceflights and 104 days living and working on both the Space Shuttle and ISS. She performed one spacewalk, was the first person to fly the robotic arm to capture the free flying HTV cargo vehicle, she was the last crew member to fly to and from their ISS mission on a Space Shuttle, and she was a member of the crew of the final flight of the Space Shuttle Discovery, STS-133. She is also a NASA Aquanaut and holds the Women’s World Record for saturation diving following her 18-day mission with the NEEMO9 crew on the Aquarius undersea habitat.
After 28 years with NASA, she is on her next adventure as a full-time Artist and SciArt education advocate. Through her artwork, she uniquely shares the awesome beauty and impression she was blessed to experience through the windows of her spacecraft. She also continues to promote the amazing things we’re doing every day in space that benefit us all right here on Earth. Combining her artwork and spaceflight experience, she is actively working to generate widespread interest in the inspiration that comes so wonderfully through the integration of Art and Science.”
Covered in the interview:
The Human story:
Nicole talks of how she developed a passion for flying and aeronautical engineering, through spending many hours at the local airport with her father and family.
She tells us who she would like to meet and the question she would like to ask them.
“I am almost crying when talking about this” – Nicole Stott
She conveys the immense appreciation she has for the support of her family.
She explains why she thinks mentors are so important and why it is critical to have mentors to help build confidence and propel people forward.
“Even now, in my new role I sometimes struggle with why people would want to see me. I need to push myself forward”. – Nicole Stott
“I never thought that I could be an astronaut but not because anyone ever told me that I couldn’t be one but later in life I had people who encouraged me to take that step to apply. If you don’t have enough confidence, it is amazing how you can hold yourself back. My mentors pushed me to pick up a pen and apply.” – Nicole Stott.
She talks of The Glass Floor – reaching for the stars.
The Big ideas:
Nicole continues to play a major role in ideas which are shaping our world. Here are just some of those ideas which are discussed in her ideaXme interview below.
Space exploration.
How the International Space Station (ISS) was created with the co-operation of 15 nations. How that co-operation could be applied further for the greater good.
The Overview Effect
How looking at the Earth from Space made Nicole feel and why she thinks it is important to convey that to others.
Nicole Stott’s Space walk.
The spiritual side to creating – “an internal joy”.
Why it is so important to do what you love.
“I want a world where everyone appreciates the Earth and recognizes that we all have to get along and take care of it and each other.” – Nicole Stott
Nicole Stott’s Art
Finding her own unique way to share the impact of her spaceflight experience with others.
The significance of the position of Earth in relation to the Sun – our significance.
The first Astronaut to paint in Space.
The Space Suit Art Project in aid of raising awareness of pediatric cancer and the power of art and healing.
Fragile Oasis
The first Tweet up in Space
Questions also asked by Mike Mongo, Board Member Students for Exploration and Development in Space (SEDS) and author of The Astronaut Instruction Manual and Alexander Behrang Keshtkar, Actor The Bridge.
Visit Nicole Stott’s website The Artistic Astronaut https://www.npsdiscovery.com
Credits: Andrea Macdonald interview video, text, and audio
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