The Vampire Squid from Hell, Vampyroteuthis Infernalis is actually an ancient, gentle creature and ancestor to the squid and octopus. After millions of years, it continues to inhabit the oxygen deprived ocean depths of the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian oceans. Just over 5” long this small cephalopod sports a red hooded cape with large blue eyes and fang-like protective tentacles line its "cape" interior. It has 2 long flagella that reach out to collect its diet of “marine snow”, detritus and decay on a film of mucous which it balls up and eats. In moments of protection the vampire squid turns itself inside out exposing the threatening “fangs” in a strategy called the “pineapple move”.
The Wildlife work is inspired by nature’s ingenious design constantly perfecting for each unique environment. Yet, as we stand at the edge of this ecological precipice, the largest element of our planet, the ocean is telling us in no uncertain terms it cannot survive without our mutual support. We are in a time of change and are responsible for the changes needed now. The species are extraordinary and in extraordinary danger. The work intends to expand awareness at this climacteric time of change on our planet and with it restorative joy, informing wise, timely sustainable investments for all life.
The convex ceramic plays on the idea of a shield, defined as a person or thing providing protection from harm. It also heralds honor of and sense of family like historic crests and in this case, the lineage of countless species with which we depend on and share this planet. The ceramic shields liken a lens or eye with intention on uplifting awareness, wonder and informing wise, timely sustainable investments.
La Mer a tributary of the Wildlife work, explores life of the ocean from the blue whale, bioluminescent creatures of the abyss to the exquisite and mighty microscopic beauties in the sunlit zone. These single-cells photosynthesize more than half of earth’s oxygen sustaining all life as the base of our food chain and ecosystem. Many cells form colonies networking to empower their oxygen prowess and mutual support. The intricate ceramic forms shine light on the wonder as well as the delicate, diverse and mostly unseen, little known life of the sea with which our lives are intrinsically linked.
People protect what they love. – Jacques Yves Cousteau
Fall in love, now.
