Artist's Statement: Throughout a whale’s life, it is constantly providing and living for others; for instance, a whale provides a place for barnacles to attach to for food and a place to live while also absorbing human-generated carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Even after it passes, the whale serves as a home, an ecosystem, and a resource, which is why so many species of animals gather following a whale’s demise. A whale represents a life that is continuous even throughout its passing. Although it may not be apparent what is unique about the remains of a whale at first glance, there are so many beautiful creatures thriving off of the great cetacean in darkness. Also, hydrothermal vents are vital for sea life as they balance the chemical composition of the minerals in the ocean. Many beautiful creatures lie hidden in one of the deepest, darkest places in the world, thanks to whales.

Artist's Statement: The deep sea holds a plethora of mysteries, many of which are haunting and horrifying. Yet, it sparks fascination with its endless opportunity for discovery. The oarfish emerging from the dark represents the discoveries we have already made, and the siphonophore looms as a reminder of the otherworldliness often found in deep sea creatures. The darkness that shrouds both suggest that there is still much to uncover however. The darkness is not an indicator of lifelessness but is pregnant with possibilities. This feeling of mystery but intrigue is further emphasized by the vast biodiversity hidden in the dark, such as the chimaera shark, atolla jellies, schools of lantern fish, hadal snailfish, and the whale remains glinting in the background. Finally, the single light source coming from the viewer's perspective shows the startle and wonder one might feel in discovering and witnessing such creatures swimming by in the dark depths.