Seagrass Art and Science talk at Storm Surge Newburyport
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Protecting our oceans can come in many different forms. Whether it is about the science of eelgrass ecosystem that Dr. Phil Colarusso studies, or it’s about community based climate preparedness with non-profit organizations such Storm Surge. For me it’s been over a decade of painting the beauty and loss of the our fragile seagrass ecosystem. At our event on this special evening the importance of community in generating awareness and action became clear. Thank you Kathleen Brittan and Sarah Tappan from Storm Surge for inviting us up to Newburyport to talk about the art and science of seagrass.
Sharing the stage with Dr. Phil Colarusso from the EPA was a great honor. His continued dedication to marine science and protecting eelgrass habitats for over thirty years is empowering. He is a true inspirational leader in his field!
Each time I hear about how seagrass provides us with ecosystem services I am amazed. The meadow provides so much for us in mitigating climate change. From absorbing wave action during storms to helping hold down ancient carbon in its roots. There is always something new to learn!
Phil’s presentation outlined new research on eelgrass that centers around seeds and assisted migration. Since warming ocean temperatures are one of the large stressors on seagrass meadows. scientists are experimenting with different seeding techniques. To hear more about the current research click here.
When it was my turn to talk about my art, I showed the field work I have documented throughout the years. The scientists, seagrass and the community all inspire my work. The idea that we are all working for a better planet and protecting our oceans for future generations is at the core. I also showed my paintings that directly correlated to my field trips with the scientists. My gestural abstractions are about mark making and a type of remembering. They are about the emotional connection I have with our oceans, seagrass and our community.
Storm Surge is a non-profit in Newburyport founded in 2013 to help educate and empower the community to deal with climate change. To learn more and get involved with this amazing non-profit check out:
What a fun and informative evening!
Here is the recording:
