Drowned forests
Nurturing seaweed
Symbiosis

Kelp forests are dense areas of kelp growth that occur near coastal waters. Kelps are ‘primary producers’ that modify the environment to create suitable habitat for a great diversity of species. Therefore they are known as foundational species. Kelp forests are also among the most productive ecosystems in the world. They support the diverse assemblage of life that inhibits them, like sea urchins, sea stars, jellyfish, crabs and snails.

Seaweed makes its food from the sun, many organisms feed on them and then in turn feed other animals. While kelp is food for many organisms, kelp also provides shelter for many forms of sea life.

And for humans? Kelp contains important minerals, antioxidants and vitamin B and C. Some species of kelp also contain protein, polyunsaturated fatty acids and fibre. Kelp is especially rich in iodine, which is a nutrient that we need but that many people struggle to get enough of.

Giant kelp forests grow amid a variety of temperatures from chilly Alaska to the warm waters of Mexico. But both bull kelp and giant kelp are being threatened by marine heat waves and other climate change stressors.

Kelp forests grow best in nutrient-rich, clear waters whose temperatures are between 42–72 degrees F (5–20 degrees C). The water must be clear so that sunlight can reach the ocean floor where the kelp life begins. If the water is too warm (warmer than 20 degrees), the kelp does not thrive as well.

Drowned Earth collection

‘Symbiosis’ is a new artwork in my collection ‘Drowned Earth’. 
In this collection of new artworks, I show how I see the earth from, let's say, a few centuries from now. An amalgamation of the forests and the oceans. With hopefully in the distant future a rich ecosystem that has managed to adapt to the new conditions.

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General info on this artwork

This is a digital artwork, printed with high-quality ink on museum-quality cotton paper (Hahnemühle Photo Rag® 308gsm). The work comes in a limited edition of 10, signed and with a certificate of authenticity.

For these artworks, I start with one or more photographs made by myself. I edit it in multiple process runs and in several layers by color manipulation and adding and editing multiple digital photographic effects. I do that until a surrealistic atmosphere is created that touches me and tells the story I want to tell.

The photograph(s) I begin with has/have an impressionistic, surrealistic or abstract realist style, which is the basis for all my work.

Prints are available, ask for a quote or contact me through a message. Prints are also available in my Saatchi Art portfolio at the artwork page and here.