Auxopore
With this sculptures, I aim to bring attention to the fragile marine environments that are constantly under threat from human pollution, fishing, and abyssal mining. The piece, inspired by the beauty of diatoms, is a representation of the intricate ecosystem that lies beneath our oceans.
Diatoms reproduce by producing auxospores, thick-walled resting spores that can be transported to new areas and form new colonies
Mitosis
The diatoms are a group of microalgae that play an important role in the marine ecosystem. They reproduce also through mitosis. They are the primary producers in the ocean and form the base of the food web. Diatoms, along with other phytoplankton, are responsible for producing a significant portion of the Earth's oxygen through the process of photosynthesis.
Hollow Golden Diatom
It is important to take action to protect and conserve these habitats. A portion of the profits from this piece will be donated for ocean conservation efforts. While diatoms and phytoplankton play a crucial role in the balance of our planet, it is not accurate to say that diatoms alone produce half of the Earth's oxygen and absorb a significant portion of CO2 emissions. The numbers mentioned are usually related to all the phytoplankton and not just diatoms.
