Life in the Inky Darkness

Anna Wershbale, The Andrews Squid

Wire

The Andrews Squid is a wire sculpture made to depict the abstract shape of a squid. The wires twist into the vague squid shape, allowing the viewer to see the squid in different movements as you walk around the sculpture. This reflects the squid’s incredible movement in its natural habitat, also calling to attention the intelligence of the creature. The squid reminds us of the beauty of nature, especially of the sea life that are so often forgotten as they aren’t seen daily. Although this animal lives in the deep, it is still our responsibility to take care of them and their habitat. -Isabella Kershner

Amelia Seabury, You made me ink

Acrylic paint on canvas, 2019

This work portrays an octopus swimming deep underwater. At a glance, one merely sees a creature in its natural habitat, surrounded by its own spewed ink, however, the bottom frame reveals an oil drum trapped in the octopus’ tentacles. With this addition, the artist subtly accentuates the idea that water pollution can occur unnoticed. Focus is placed on the octopus to depict an animal innocently swimming, yet the serene setting is shattered once the oil drum is recognized. The oil disguises itself within the octopus ink, making it difficult to identify without careful observation. The artist chose to hide the drum to help the viewer consider how prominent and dangerous water pollution may realistically be, especially when it’s not as apparent as one would expect. -Sebastian Rios-Melean