Week 16: Tali & Oscar

Tali

A few weeks ago, Oscar sent me some basic information about three of the lakes where he did research. For each lake, I received a depth map, a few images of the algae in that lake, a short text on the lake’s relevance in the context of our conversations, and a bit of data. 

My plan was to integrate these research components (the data, map, and algae photos) in order to create three drawings, one for each lake. What I ended up with, instead, are really just initial sketches. They are drawings made in an effort to think through/process/try to find a personal connection to the research—not cohesive integrations of that research.

Between receiving the source material and starting the drawings, I moved across the country and am now living in New Mexico’s desert. Beyond the usual disruption of moving, I found it challenging to work on this project in the desert. In the past, my drawings have been—while seemingly abstract—based on direct observations of a place or memories of a place. Without this direct observation of a similar landscape and having never been to this part of North America, I struggled to feel confident in my selection of colors and patterns as I worked. I feel somewhat ambivalent about how they turned out. Nevertheless, here they are. 

Each drawing is 8.5”x11”, india ink on paper. I started with the depth map of the lake and then layered my responses to Oscar’s narrative accounts of that lake. ​

Oxbow: a large, clear lake in which the dominant algal group were diatoms. The most prominent diatoms were Asterionella which form star-like colonies to keep afloat and defend against predators.

Three Mile: a lake with recurring toxic blooms of cyanobacteria (blue-green algae), likely at least in part a result of the large number of humans living around (and dumping in) the lake.

Menominee: a small lake with very dark waters, surrounded by wetlands. The shores were privately owned, and it was difficult to access. Limited light means the algae that survive are those that can switch from photosynthesis to consuming organic matter (mixotrophic algae, not diatoms).