Art-Sci: nature

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Sea Sculptures of the Underwater Museum

Around the world are a few unusual sculpture museums. In order to gain entry to the museums, you must first put on your swimming gear and grab a snorkel or dive tank. This is because the museums are under the sea.

Art Works or Artificial Reefs?
The creator of the underwater museums, Jason de Caires Taylor, designs his sculptures with the intention of forming artificial reefs for sea life. The statues are made with PH neutral casting cement, which means that they will not poison the water or the fish, and will not degrade quickly in sea water. Taylor places his underwater museums in areas where reefs have been destroyed by storms, creating new homes for corals, fish and other sea life.
The statues of Taylor's underwater museums serve two purposes; to attract tourists and art lovers to the area and to create a home for fish, sea weed and other reef life. Many of the sculptures have holes drilled into the cement, creating nooks and crannies for fish and crustaceans to create a home for themselves. Over time, the statues get covered with sea weed and molluscs. Taylor has recorded this "evolution" of his artworks with photographs, enjoying the fact that although he may be finished with the artwork, nature continues to add its own art works to the statues.

Jason de Caires Taylor's "Vicissitudes" in Grenada, West Indies. This sculptural art work shows a group of people standing in a circle holding hands. The figures face outwards, creating the impression that they are protecting something within the circle. The underwater statues are life-sized, having been made from body casts of living people.

A swimmer discovers one of Talor's underwater sculptures in Grenada and blows a kiss at the sleeping faces. The beauty of these art works is that the experience of discovery is different for each person. Because the statues are evolving and becoming part of the reef, whatone person sees today might be very different from what someone else might see next month.

These three photos show, from left, a mustachioed man from Cancun in Mexico, who was the model for the underwater sculpture shown in the middle photograph. The photograph on the right shows the statue a few years after it was placed underwater. It is covered in seaweed and providing an excellent home for reef life. The man who posed for the statue doesn't look very happy, but the ocean fish and plants who now live on his statue are probably very happy.

These are Taylor's cement statues on dry land, waiting to be placed into the sea, where they will live forever more. When posed like this, the groupps of statues begin to resemble a coral reef. Taylor's underwater museum is so far one of the most unique reef conservation methods that man has attempted. It combines human ingenuity with human creativity.

A Sculptured Society Living Under the Sea
The underwater museum in Cancun, Mexico was created in 2009 when Taylor installed several life size statues near the Manchones reef. There are now over 450 submerged sculptures in the region. These underwater statues are based on regular people living in and around Cancun, Mexico. The figures are sculpted to show them doing day-to-day activities such as riding a bicycle or watching TV. The underwater statues have a surreal nature about them; they seem to be average people frozen for eternity below the sea, standing silently as they are visited by tourists and art enthusiasts.

"Anthropocene" in Cancun, Mexico. This large sculpture shows a man curled up on the hood of a VW Beetle, a car that has been popular all over the world for decades. The sculpture has several holes drilled into the windows that allows fish to enter the hollow interior of the car sculpture. The reef was partially destroyed by storms, so the sculptures were created as a place for fish and other sea creatures to live.

"Inertia" in Punta Nizuc, Mexico. This sculptural piece depicts a man watching TV with a burger and fries. Like the VW sculpture, the TV set has holes drilled into it, which allow the fish to enter the hollow interior of the sculpture, where they are protected from storms and predators.

Crowds of statues like this make excellent artificial reefs, attracting fish and plant life that make the art works their homes. This picture was taken shortly after the statues were installed, before the seaweed and limpets start to add their own creative touch to the art. These underwater museums are also attractive to tourists, who travel great distances to be able to swim among the statues.

Over time, coral begins to grow over the statues, transforming the underwater sculptures into living art works. These natural art works are constantly changing over time as the reef continues to absorb the statues, making them part of the natural environment.

Each statue gets its own natural decoration as the reef grows over it. The different types of corals, sponges and sea weeds add patterns and textures to these living art works.

Taylor's underwater museums are a truly beautiful combination of art and conservation. The artificial reefs made of human statues give people an inspiring experience while offering natural reef life a safe home. Visit Taylor's website for more information on his underwater museums.

Ernst Haeckel Draws a Psychedelic World

Ernst Haeckel was a 19th century artist, philosopher and professor who had a deep interest in the natural world. His beautifully detailed illustrations of sea creatures, insects, plants and animals have survived over a century of change and are still hailed as among the best nature illustrations that exist to this day.

Photography vs Psychedelic Illustrations
The art of photography has existed for centuries, though not as we know it today. As early as the 4th and 5th centuries BC, Chinese and Greek philosophers and mathematicians described pinhole cameras. By the late 19th century, more sophisticated cameras were in use. These cameras often produced blurry images that were either over- or under-exposed, so up until the early 20th century, illustrations were the best way for scientists to share images of their findings with other biologists. These illustrations were used to identify and differentiate species of animals. Ernst Haeckel earned a name for himself for his highly detailed, intricately constructed illustrations of the natural world.

Ernst Haeckel often colored his illustrations, a technique that allowed other naturalists to imagine not just the shape and texture of the creature, but its color patterns too. During the 19th century, photographs were produced in black and white which meant that color illustrations were often valued more than photographs. [source]

This illustration, called "Orchidae", depicts several orchid flower species. Haeckel often drew collections of animals or plants of the same species, showcasing both the similarities and differences between the different breeds. [source]

Ernst Haeckel's illustrations were highly prized for their level of detail. Many nature artists of the time would simply have drawn a rough sketch of this sea creature, unlike Haeckel; who has drawn every tiny detail of the sea anemone. [source]

Natural Psychedelic Design
It's unlikely that Haeckel's intention was to create psychedelic art works. As a biologist and naturalist, Haeckel simply wanted to record the world as he saw it, as a collection of intricate patterns and subtle shades. But repetitive patterns create the basis of psychedelic art, so Haeckel's illustrations have unintentionally become mind-boggling art works.

Many of Haeckel's drawings are of sea creatures such as sea anemones. With their repetitive patterns and intricate details, these creatures are the perfect subjects for psychedelic, alienish art works. [source]

Ernst Haeckel's illustrations often have an otherworldly feel. The creature in the picture above could easily feel at home on an alien planet, yet oddly enough, it calls Earth its home. [source]

Another of Ernst Haeckel's illustrations shows several different breeds of the same jellyfish specie. In all of his art works, Haeckel included as much detail as he possibly could, making his drawings the first truly accurate visual recordings of many creatures. [source]

Ernst Haeckel died on August 9, 1919, leaving behind hundreds of nature illustrations. Nearly a century after his death, his drawings are still celebrated as being some of the most detailed and attractive biological illustrations in the world.

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10 Exquisite Photographs of Wild Animals

Nature holds a wealth of beauty and wonder that every once in a while, a photographer manages to capture in a single frame. Wild animals are a source of fascination for human beings - their lives may be harsher in some ways, but in many ways they embody a sense of freedom that people crave.

Wildlife photography can be a hobby or a career

Wildlife photography is a hobby for some, but for others, it can be a career. Photos of wild animals can be used in magazines, newspapers and even research materials such as textbooks. But there are so many people in the world who enjoy looking at pictures of animals in their natural habitat that photography books that show only wildlife photos are incredibly popular. These books can provide inspiration for artists, writers, musicians and photographers, and they can also be used to educate people about the diversity of the natural world.

Some photographers, whether they are professionals or amateur hobbyists, offer their photos for sale online, through websites like Deviant Art. The site allows shoppers to buy art prints and photography prints online, with or without a frame and on canvas or paper. Many of the following nature photographs are all available to buy online through their creators' Deviant Art accounts, and there are thousands more wildlife photos to choose from.

"Zen Fox" by thrumyeye. Such a peaceful moment is rare for wild animals, who are generally alert and wary of danger. The features of the fox's face are sharper than the background areas; a photography technique that draws the eye to the focal point of this photo - the fox's sweet face. [source]

Flamingos sleep while standing, tucking their head under a wing for protection from the elements. In the nature photograph above, the photographer has captured the sleeping flamingo beautifully. By emphasizing the yin yang nature of the pose, the photographer has added a sense of balance and peace to the picture. [source]
This photograph can be bought online as a print on paper or canvas through the photographer Chris Esla's DeviantArt account, Toribio

This photographer has caught this tiger in an almost human pose, as though the tiger is pulling a funny face, not just simply licking his paw. By personifying the animal subject, the photographer Tonya encourages empathy in the viewer. This tiger photo is called "Oh So Bored" and is available to buy from the photographer through her DeviantArt account: TICphotography730

This white lion is rare, but it isn't a true albino. Most big cat species have a genetic strain that once in a while produces a pure white animal with even the irises of the eyes being white. If this lion was a true albino; its eyes would be pink. You can buy a pre-framed art print of this beautiful wildlife photograph online through Woxys' DeviantArt account.

Photographers are often so focused on their animals subjects that they ignore the animal's natural habitat. This photographer has chosen to exhibit the polar bear as part of its environment. The unusual shape of the ice combined with the beautiful colors of the water and the sky add to the natural beauty of the polar bear.
Antoine Beyeler sells this wintery wonderland photo as an art print through his DeviantArt account abey79. He's called this picture "The Kitchest Bear"

Cameras and photography equipment are heavy!

Wildlife photographers try to use lightweight cameras and camera equipment such as tripods, because in order to find the animals to take pictures of, the photographers sometimes need to hike into the wilderness for many miles, carrying all of their camera equipment with them. And, because they work outdoors, the photographers need to be prepared to protect their equipment from rainy weather or from getting splashed with water while crossing streams.

Sometimes wildlife photographers need a lot of equipment to get the perfect shot, and sometimes they need to get up really early, or stay up really late to have the time to set up their camera gear and snap the perfect picture of an animal at night or in the twilight of dusk and dawn. But most serious wildlife photographers are so passionate about their work that they don't mind losing a bit of sleep if it means that they can get that one, brilliant photo.

This photographer, Ryan, is aware of the value of space within an image, giving the cute squirrel plenty of room to own this photograph. [source]
Buy this cute animal picture online from Canadian Ry through his DeviantArt account.

This is an octopus in it natural environment; the ocean, lit by rays of sunlight that shine through the water. The semi-translucent nature of the octopus's tentacles add to the idea that the octopus is glowing. Detail24 is the photographer of this beautiful underwater image. You can buy this photographic masterpiece, called "Catch the stars" on DeviantArt

Sometimes nature photography reveals an animal's feelings about being photographed. In the photo above, the swans are angry to discover the photographer in their territory. The photographer has expressed fear of the swans by capturing them from below their eye level, which makes the birds seem larger and more fearsome than they actually are. Louis Cipher, going under the name Grim-Jester on DeviantArt, has called this powerful nature photo, "I don't like the swans", a sentimant that is apparent in this photograph. [source]

Young elephants are very playful, often running about while waving their tails and trunks in the air. The photograph is an example of personification. The photographer has taken a picture of the baby elephant's open mouth from an angle that makes it appear as though the elephant is smiling. [source]

This is one of nature's rarities, the glass-winged butterfly. This beautiful creature is stunning when set in contrast to colorful flowers, as in the photograph above. We can see the bright yellow and red flowers through the butterfly's wings, which is a rare and special sight indeed. [source]

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Photoshop Machine Animals Tell a Love Story of Nature and Technology

Photoshop artists can create hybrid creatures out of anything. The following images show how digital artists have combined man-made technological creations with animals created by mother nature. The results are mechanical animals.

Photoshop VW Buggy: An Insect Car
Volkswagen's popular family car, the VW Beetle, has been spoofed in this Photoshopped machine animal hybrid. The artist has combined the original shape of the VW Beetle with the colors and accessories of an actual, living insect, creating a visual pun.

Above: Instead of legs, the lady bug now has wheels. The carapace above the beetle's head forms the windshield of the insect car. This Photoshop artist has created a visual pun on the name of both the VW Beetle and the Lady Beetle.

[source]

The Photoshop Toad Engine Croaks when Cranked

In this machine animal hybrid, the Photoshop artist has shown the "hood" of the toad vehicle (it's skull) as being open, revealing the frog's brain engine within. This robot creature combines organic elements, such as its skin, with machine components, such as having headlights for eyes.

Above: The Photoshop techno toad and it's cyborg butterfly mechanic. [source]

The Robo Lobster's a Crustacean with Cogs

To eat this robot lobster, you'd need to suffer from Pica, a mental illness that compels people to eat inedible objects. Though it is prone to rusting, the Photoshop machine lobster lives in harmony with its watery surroundings, dining on the metal hulls of sunken ships.

Above: The robo lobster's vice-like claws deliver quite a pinch. [source]

Gone Fishing in Photoshop

This Photoshop artist has combined an aquatic animal; a simple fish, with a submarine to create an organic underwater vessel. Unlike regular submarines, the Photoshop fish sub uses fins to propel itself.

Above: The colorful Photoshop fish sub, complete with a glass engine room for tiny mariners to see out of. [source]

Photoshop Chicken Machine Clucks and Clanks

The Photoshop robot chicken ain't no turkey, and is hoping to be featured in the next Transformers movie . While this rooster alarm clock may be able to play your favorite songs, it's not going to produce any eggs for breakfast.

Above: The Photoshop chicken gives new meaning to the term "battery hen". [source]

Fly me to the Moon on a Hornet Motorbike

Tired of people driving close to your back bumper? You'll never need to worry about that if you're riding the Photoshop hornet bike. With its mean-looking features and nasty stinger, this buzzing motorbike will give you plenty of room on the roads, and if traffic is bad - it can fly you to work.

Above: Even as a Photoshop concept, the wasp motorbike is awesome. [source]

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Animal Owners Tattoo Their Pets

Is tattooing an animal inhumane, or is it art? Animal Rights lobbyists exclaim in horror as animals receive decorative tattoos from their owners, claiming that animals can’t choose whether or not to not have the tattoos done.

Identification Tattoos

Owners of rare or valuable pets have the option to tag their pets with an identification tattoo. The marking deters theft, and if the pet is found, the code can be traced back to the owner of the animal. The tattoo allows a person to know who the breeder of the animal is and the litter number that the animal came from, which authenticates the lineage of the animal. These tattoos are performed while the animal is under anaesthetic, at a young age.

This dog has a Hello Kitty tattoo on its belly, apparently for identification purposes. The dog was tattooed by its owner, while under anesthetic. The actual tattooing process wasn’t particularly cruel, but now this poor pooch must live in Hello Kitty hell, unable to lift its leg in public for fear of other dogs seeing the abominably cutesy cat face.

Tattooed Fish

Do fish have feelings? Hopes? Dreams? Would they approve of having hearts, spots and stripes tattooed onto them in garish pinks, greens and blues?
Who knows? Unless we find fish whisperers to talk to the little guys and ask them their opinion; tattooed fish will continue to be a lame fad for tasteless consumers.

Imported from Singapore and Hong Kong, these tattooed mollies are making their way into fish tanks across the globe. The actual process of the inking is unclear. Some say the fish are sucked into a clear tube and then tattooed with a laser, other say the fish are tattooed in the traditional needle and ink method.

Do fish feel pain, or are they just a vegetable that moves? The ink is only scale deep, so it is debatable whether the fish are hurt in any way.

Tattooed Pigs

Yet more appalled shrieks from animal lovers, as Belgian tattoo artist Wim Delvoye decorates living pigs with permanent tattoos.

Delvoye says, “I tattoo pigs because they grow fast and they are so much better to tattoo than fish. I tattoo them when they are young and I like the way the artwork stretches and distorts over time. Essentially, we invest in small tattoos and we harvest large paintings.” See full interview here.

The pigs live a peaceful lifestyle on an art farm in China, free to roam and forage for food. Previously destined for the slaughterhouse, these pigs have a full, happy life ahead of them in return for the tattoos on their skin, which are harvested after their death. The pigs are tattooed whilst sedated, and may not even be aware of their own markings.

Animal Rights groups wish to stop unnecessary cruelty towards animals. But is it really so cruel to trade a slaughterhouse death for a few tattoos and a tranquil life on a farm?

Although tattooing animals is not a common practice, it has become a fad amongst tasteless fashion mongers. One can only wonder at the fact that there are laws against children being tattooed, yet there are no laws against the tattooing of animals. Should this practice be illegal or not?

More on tattooed animals in Meow! Cats with Tattoos or Tattoos of Cats?

Elephant Artists

An elephant’s trunk can be thought of as being a long, supple appendage that allows the elephant to grip objects. Some elephant artists are taught by their trainers to hold a paintbrush by wrapping the tip of the trunk around the paintbrush, whereas others are encouraged to place the brush into a ‘nostril’ at the end of the trunk, to give the elephant more control over the brush.

Most elephant trainers will assist the elephant artist during the painting process. Some will guide the elephant’s trunk across the canvas, while others take a purist approach to art and leave the elephants to create their paintings unaided. Generally, an elephant trainer will set up the easel and canvas and load paint on to the brush before handing the paint brush to the elephant. Elephant artists have been known to get impatient with their assistants, and will tap the brush against the assistant’s chest to demand more paint.

Fine Art Paintings by Elephants

Elephants can be trained to reproduce recognizable images, such as other elephants, scenery, and recognizable objects such as flowers. They can even be taught to make self-portraits. However, to some this isn’t true elephant art. When left to create alone, elephants paint in an abstract style using lines, curves and dashes of paint to form the finished work.

Trained Elephant Paintings

Elephant trainers can teach an elephant to reproduce an image over and over again. The result is a picture that could have been drawn by an eight-year-old child. Although endearing, this form of art is losing popularity with elephant art fans, as the elephants are taught to paint these pictures as a performance, similar to a dog who has been taught to do tricks. For elephant art purists, these reproductions of the trainer’s initial design don’t constitute as ‘real’ elephant art.

Above: Elephants can be taught to reproduce a specific image, which they are then asked to reproduce for tourists. On each of the paintings above, you can see a stamp of authenticity – this shows that an elephant was the artists behind the painting. Whether this is truly ‘art’ or not depends on an individual’s opinion of what art is.

Untrained Elephant Paintings

Some elephant sanctuaries that specialize in elephant art will train an elephant to hold the brush and show the elephant how to apply paint to the paper, without teaching the elephant to create a specific shape on the page. These elephants are given the space and time needed to create whatever imagery they desire. The result is a simple, abstract collection of lines, shapes and colors.

Trainers claim that the elephants know when the piece is done, and the animal will often stand back and admire their work before heading down to a river to swim. It has also been suggested that like human artists, elephant artists have ‘off’ days, when the artistic well runs dry.

Buy Paintings by Elephants Online

Elephant art can be bought online through various websites. Here are just a few to get you started: Elephant Art Gallery, Elephant Art

Most elephant sanctuaries that are creating elephant art use the money raised by the paintings to create a better lifestyle for the elephants that they house. There are however some elephant owners who simply use the elephant’s creativity for their own gain. It is up to the buyer to decide which situation they would prefer to support through buying elephant art.

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