The artist stepped forward, contemplating the prints on the wall. She was absorbed by the contrasts, the composition, the ability to make something out of nothing. She felt truly inspired and sketched down thoughts and ideas in her notebook. This was photography; this was art.

The scientist was drawn to an installation in the corner of the room. Blinking LEDs creating cascades of colour across the wall. Images of circuitry and formulae filled his brain and sent electricity throughout his body. This was physics; this was science.

On the walk home they paused at the window of a department store.

The artist had been stopped in her tracks by the kaleidoscope of colour that confronted her. Shoes, dresses, and handbags all competing for the attention of a fashion connoisseur. She let her imagination briefly sweep her away into a world where Vogue and Elle were pleading for her to be their cover girl. This was fashion; this was art.

The scientist, meanwhile, was gazing at the outdoor clothing. He admired the wind and water-proof jackets, the high-tech training shoes, and the camouflaged outfits that were hidden amongst the fake greenery of the window display. He pictured himself soldiering through the undergrowth, defeating all opponents, aided by his superior equipment. This was technology; this was science.

As soon as they returned home the artist hurried to the kitchen whilst the scientist smiled from the bedroom, listening to her rummage through the pots and pans.

The artist worked in a chaotic blur – pouring, mixing, and crafting, without so much as recipe books nor measuring scales. The oven filled the air with the scent of sweet temptation, and after, she delicately worked her magic to ice her edible masterpieces. These were cupcakes; this was art.

The scientist finished his drink – 250ml of coke with 100ml of Jack Daniels – and crept out of the bedroom. He found the artist asleep, draped across the sofa, and he pulled a blanket up over her to keep the cold, night chill at bay. Back in the kitchen he admired her creations and lightly traced his finger around the complex shapes of icing that had flowed from her mind. This was geometry; this was science.

© Nick Milnes, 2012