DIATOM
ADVENTURES
Diatoms, single-celled algae with glass-like silica cell walls adorned with intricate patterns, are ubiquitous in aquatic environments, serving as vital indicators of water quality due to their sensitivity to environmental changes. Remarkably, they contribute to 20-30% of the oxygen in Earth's atmosphere through photosynthesis. They convert carbon dioxide into organic carbon compounds like sugar, releasing oxygen as a byproduct. As the only organisms with opaline silica cell walls, diatoms play a crucial role in the global carbon cycle by sequestering carbon dioxide and producing oxygen, which we and other organisms rely on for respiration, thereby emphasising their ecological significance and contribution to the planet's health.
Perceptual Realms: Diatoms in the Space Between Art and Science
This page showcases the culmination of my ongoing exploration and collaboration in the captivating world of diatoms. The work spans from early diatom imagery captured through the lens of an amateur microscope to highly magnified images produced via Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), revealing structures at scales from 10x to 3,000,000x.
My exploration bridges the boundaries of science and art, combining methods and insights from both disciplines. A central thread in this journey is the transformation of microscopic forms through diverse means, such as holography, 3D printing, and hand-carved stone sculptures in slate or limestone. These approaches bring the hidden beauty of diatoms into the tangible world. Each method offers a unique lens through which to perceive their intricate physiology: SEM reveals structural detail, hologram development captures dimensional depth, and sculptural practice renders the unseen visible and tactile. Together, these forms provide new ways of understanding and accessing the micro-world.
The work unfolds in two directions: first, through deep engagement with scientific imagery and processes, which inform and guide the sculptural approach; and second, through the perceptual shifts that occur when others encounter these physical forms. It is a practice rooted in observation, translation, and sensory experience, where the invisible becomes not only visible, but touchable, knowable, and open to interpretation.
My wider portfolio encompasses environmental art installations, sculpture, photography, print, video, and collaborative projects. Residencies and research have taken me from China, Portugal, and Finland to Florida and Cuba, involving partnerships with scientists, artists, schools, printers, residents, and public art initiatives throughout the UK and beyond.
