View from a Croft 

There are 175,402 species of micro-algae in the sea and freshwater and few people outside phycology are aware of this diverse world. They are invisible and the project aims to bring them into view. The artist engraved images drawn from microscopic life provided by the scientist, who had studied micro-algae in sea ice in Antarctic and micro blooms in Scotland. Diatoms in the Antarctic, are released into the sea when the ice melts, and feed zooplankton and other life forms up the food chain. The timing of the melt is crucial and climate change affects this cycle.

Images drawn from sea ice diatoms were engraved onto recycled steel by the artist using reclaimed metal from the Port of Nigg. This material is associated with contributing to climate change but is now being used for offshore wind structures. Steel lends itself to a soft spiral shape and when exposed to the elements it turns rusty, symbolising transformation and connection during and following the ritualistic act of the immersion. The performance took place adjacent to the Scottish Association of Marine Science building where the scientist carries out her research. The images are captured using various techniques, that aspire to translate a new perspective on our relationship and connection to the sea. Combing art and science we hope to reach wider audiences.