Luminaries

Dimensions: 22 x 18 inches; presented unframed

Medium: Acrylic on invasive lionfish leather mounted on artboard

Description

Luminaries is an underwater world of soft blue light and glowing forms, inspired by the suspended, almost otherworldly feeling of watching fish move through an aquarium.

The painting began as the third work I created alongside a commissioned series of awards for The International SeaKeepers Society, but this piece was designed to stand on its own. Against layers of blue water, fluorescent orange, yellow, green and purple forms hover at different depths, some vivid and close, others softened almost to the point of disappearing.

The fluorescence makes the painting unusually responsive to its surroundings. In bright daylight, the entire underwater field is visible. As the room grows dimmer, the blues and more distant forms gradually recede, while the brightest fish seems to hold onto the light. The painting quietly changes throughout the day.

Up close, another layer emerges. The surface is assembled from 21 invasive lionfish skins hand-cut into pieces, with their seams, scales, and natural textures becoming part of the water, the light, and the glowing forms themselves.

Lionfish are an invasive predator on Atlantic and Caribbean reefs, where they consume large numbers of native reef fish. Turning their skins into art transforms material from a species being actively removed into something lasting and valuable. The ecological story is embedded in the material.

Includes:

• Signed and dated original artwork
• Certificate of authenticity
• Materials and impact card
• Complimentary digital wall mockup
• 48-hour courtesy hold available on request

Collecting information

Luminaries is a one-of-a-kind original work.

Price includes insured shipping within the continental United States

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I'll personally respond within 24 hours to discuss the piece, answer questions, and arrange a studio visit or video call.

If you’d like to see additional installation images, close ups, or a simple mockup in your space, I'm happy to provide them.