Dinoflagellate Dreams

After taking oceanography, I've been fascinated by the beautiful forms of phytoplankton, as well as the biological function of photosynthesis which they perform.  They are very tiny, yet can take nutrients and energy, and synthesize them into food.  This process, as well as the aesthetic properties of the form, draws strong allusions to Native American dream catchers in my mind.  Both make something out of nothing.  In these pieces, I'm trying to manifest the parallels and juxtaposition of the biological and the spiritual, in an attempt to show that both can intermingle at times.  These are sketches for a commission for Palmer Commons, where fiber will be used to make larger than life hanging phytoplankton/ dream catcher forms.

 

I'm also working on a large scale print to express this concept as well.