*HAPPY*Winter*Solstice*...and bioluminescence!!!

Photo Source:  http://messymix.com/photos.php

I came across the Smithsonian:  National Museum of Natural History   website:  http://ocean.si.edu/ocean-news/when-art-meets-science-exhibition-inspired-bioluminescence and I found this amazing article titled, When Art Meets Science:  Exhibition Inspired by Bioluminescence.

SO, what the heck is bioluminescence? 
Bioluminescence is the process behind the idea that  deep sea creatures can create their own LIGHT and ENERGY to survive where there is NO sun in the deep depths of the ocean!

A 2011 Installation by Artist Shih Chieh Huang, The Bright Beneath, is an exhibit in which Huang "creates works using plastic bags, household objects, computer cooling fans, LED lights, and other assorted materials."  The Bright Beneath is inspired by bioluminescent marine animals Huang studied during a Smithsonian Artist Fellowship:

 

Photo:  Sea Walnut

Photo:  Bioluminescent Octopod

Photo: Midwater Squid

 

Photo:  Scaly Dragonfish

The long barbel on the chin has a long glowing tip that may attract prey!

We think of light as a way to see in the dark.
But many species use it to help them hide!
LEFT:  In this photograph, the fish actually stands out against the lighter water (light/dark contrast)
RIGHT:  The same fish---now with bioluminescent structures on its underside lit---blends in!!!
Many deep sea creatures have evolved this adaptation, which allows them to "camouflage" in an environment with few hiding places.

Photo:  Midwater Sea Jelly seen under a microscope

Photo:  Lantern Fish --- found in the Red Sea, has light-producing photophores along its belly and a nasal light organ that acts like a *head*light*.

Bioluminescence reminds me of the winter solstice because in Michigan, it is a time when days are long and rather "dark."  Winter solstice is a day in December (varying depending on the calendar system) when the North Pole is furthest from the sun.  Therefore, winter solstice is a natural occurrence.  How often, are natural occurrences in our world overlooked because of technology, overwhelming work loads, long to-do-lists, and blind eyes???  Instead of embracing these natural occurrences, our society, culture and education teaches us to hurry hurry, rush rush, quantity over quality...product over process.  Winter solstice is a time of transition and transitions should be thoughtfully considered...embraced...even if they are "dark."  When there is no light...*create*your*own*

((Personal photographs capturing the beauty of *light* and reflection,
on the walls in my house,
during an *ordinary* winter solstice day))

*May we all see the light in the dark*...
and feel the warmth during winter solstice...
HAPPY WINTER SOLSTICE

“When you walk to the edge of all the light you have and take that first step into the darkness of the unknown,
You must believe that one of two things will happen:
There will be something solid for you to stand upon or you will be taught to fly." 
---Patrick Overton

***AMAZING LINK to "How to Paint with Light"...teaching using light painting:

http://ocean.si.edu/blog/using-light-painting-teach-bioluminescence