Adam Savage at Collaborate 14

Adam Savage, best known as the co-host of "MythBusters" on the Discovery Channel, appeared at Collaborate 14 in Las Vegas as one of the Keynote Speakers on Tuesday, April 9th. Adam is also a longtime special-effects artist, fabricator, model maker and general dreamer-upper who has worked on films such as Galaxy Quest and the Matrix sequels as well as Episodes I and II of the Star Wars series.

In his presentation, he spoke mainly on the fundamental ideas many people have about both art and science, how the two subjects are similar and why the two have been twin propellers pushing us forward as a species. Adam believes that art and science are more alike than people originally perceive, that both subjects are expressed in ways which are unique and thought provoking, and they are both a reflection of our progress as a species. He compares the two, saying there are high and low points with each, and somewhere in the middle is where we usually place ourselves. Adam stressed that nothing is too obscure or beyond our understanding. Art and science are very much a part of who we are as people and a society, and continued knowledge of both is the only way we can actively improve our way of life. Adam explained how art is a direct response to what happens in the science world, and that they work hand in hand for us to explain who we are and what we are doing, and the more self generating ideas you come up with the more you can come up with. He encouraged the audience to pay attention to patterns, participate and question everything. 

Closing his hour, he answered questions in length about his time on "Mythbusters" and the relationship he has with the co-star Jamie Hyneman. He explains that their differences help their scientific process by pushing their ideas forward until they have covered every angle and every possible outcome. "Mythbusters" is the perfect example of how working as a team helps to develop the best practices and outcomes. He warns that science is still unpredictable, and it is difficult to eliminate every variable in every situation. He describes the approach he has to science, looking at it from different perspectives until it makes sense in his own head, a practice he learned from watching his father paint. This process helps him respect the importance of working as a team and collaborating together.