"Diatoms" is a series illuminating the microscopic world of algae. Diatoms are a diverse class of unicellular microalgae that have silica or "glass" based outer shells. They are found in every corner of the world from oceans and waterways to desert soils. Living diatoms make up a significant portion of the Earth's biomass and they generate about 20 to 50 percent of the planet's oxygen each year.
In the Victorian era, these microscopic organisms were meticulously arranged on glass slides and viewed under early microscopes. In modern times the art of diatom arrangement has become obscure with few known artists still creating these tiny works. This project is an homage to the confluence of art, biology, and natural history. The individual diatoms in this series were first illustrated in graphite pencil and then digitally arranged and colored.
In the Victorian era, these microscopic organisms were meticulously arranged on glass slides and viewed under early microscopes. In modern times the art of diatom arrangement has become obscure with few known artists still creating these tiny works. This project is an homage to the confluence of art, biology, and natural history. The individual diatoms in this series were first illustrated in graphite pencil and then digitally arranged and colored.
