Brittlestars, also known as basket and snake stars are a star-shaped echinoderm. They have lived on earth for over 480 million years and are found on all ocean floors. Covered in five serpent-like coiled arms, that have the incredible ability to re-grow a new arm or several. Echinoderm means 'spiny skin', like bony scales, they have a vascular system, usually with tube feet that enables them to move about in their habitat. The arms shaped like a monkey tail, move by whipping their long arms around to wriggle and swim, climb corals, and catch food on drifting currents. Brittlestars are found throughout New Zealand waters, in temperate regions in the Pacific, Indian and Atlantic oceans.
Understanding how the different marine species and their connections in the ocean at different latitudes and depths is key to protecting marine biodiversity across the entire planet. The deep sea is highly connected, but also incredibly fragile.
Latest research has found that the larvae of these amazing creatures, can survive for long periods in cold temperatures, that hitch a ride on slow-moving deep sea currents. They have been fortunate to have the ability to colonise to far-flung regions of the world, helping to establish large groups of brittlestars.
As an artist I have long explored New Zealand’s native ecosystems. My hyper-realistic work aims to communicate the story visually, allowing thread to become the narrative rather than simply its illustration.
Professionally framed using a white boxed frame and museum grade glass. This offers ultimate clarity, with reduced reflection, and has 99% UV protection from the sun. Each sculpture is pinned away from the backing board, to give a 3-dimensional finish that casts shadows in certain light.
Measures: 44cm Height x 44cm Width x 4.5cm depth.
Framed and ready to be hung. Each artwork comes with its own signed certificate of authenticity.
