SOS Paintings
2023
The SOS Paintings are interpretations of deep-sea species put at risk by new deep-water mining in the Gulf of Mexico. Almost nothing is known about the natural history of these species or their environment, the abyssal zone - it literally is the last place on earth untouched by humans. Many of these creatures use bioluminescence or other adaptions to survive and the impact of clouding the water, ocean floor alteration and sounds from mining extraction is not yet understood. The paintings themselves are made from salvaged house paint on thrifted bed sheets, tablecloths and other materials that have little to no value- an artistic choice to reflect the way industry often devalues ecosystems and species.
SOS Pelican Eel 2023 56 by 98 inches, repurposed house paint on thrifted bed sheets. Portrait of a Pelican eel (Eurypharynx pelecanoides) a deep ocean species put at risk from new deep water mining activities.
SOS Vampire Squid 2023 54 by 94 inches Salvaged latex house on thrifted cotton bed sheets. Inspired by the Vampire Squid (Vampyroteuthis infernalis) a deep ocean species put at risk from new deep water mining activities.
SOS Humpback Black Seadevil Anglerfish 2023 77 by 98 inches Salvaged latex house on thrifted cotton bed sheets. Inspired by the Humpback Black Seadevil anglerfish (Melanocetus johnsonii) a deep ocean species put at risk from new deep water mining activities.
SOS Tripod Fish 2023 96 by 70 Salvaged latex house on thrifted cotton bed sheets. Inspired by the Tripod fish (Bathypterois grallator) a deep ocean species put at risk from new deep water mining activities.
SOS Slender Snipe Eel 2023 88 by 101 inches Salvaged latex house on thrifted cotton bed sheets. Inspired by the Slender Snipe eel (Nemichthys scolopaceus) a deep ocean species put at risk from new deep water mining activities.
SOS Vampire Squid (Noir) 2023 56 by 93 inches Salvaged latex house on thrifted cotton bed sheets. Inspired by the Vampire Squid (Vampyroteuthis infernalis, dark phenotype) a deep ocean species put at risk from new deep water mining activities.