Artist's Statement: The light illuminating from the submarine, onto the creatures represents the wonders we have discovered in the endless depths of the sea. What lies in the shark's stomach? What will we be able to discover at the end, if there even is an end? Is there anything left to be discovered beyond the shark? I chose a goblin shark because I found it fascinating how they can open there jaws so far. Plus they have existed since the dinosaurs, which shows how long the deep sea has been able to house these creatures, which leaves me to wonder what other curiosities has the sea birthed? I made the creatures and submarine very vibrant in contrast to the sea surrounding them. We understand reds, blues, and yellows, but what hues lie in black?

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.