Ocean Invasion #2: Nectar for the Orcas
Here is the second in my Ocean Invasion series:
"Ocean Invasion #2: Nectar for the Orcas"
"Ocean Invasion #2: Nectar for the Orcas"
Closeup
Previous works:
"Ocean Invasion #1: Octopus arborealus"
"K-T"
Ocean Invasion #1: Octopus arborealus
This is the first in a series of pieces I'm doing.
"Ocean Invasion #1: Octopus arborealus"
Click for larger. NOTE: actual resolution quality of the piece is MUCH higher than these compressed jpeg images.
"Ocean Invasion #1: Octopus arborealus"
Closeup
Modeled & Rendered in Blender2.52. Post-processing in GIMP 2.6.
I was asked by another artist whether my inspiration was the "Save the Pacific Northwest Tree Octopus" campaign. Honestly, I actually had never heard of such a thing, and was a wee bit disappointed to learn of it's existence 
Then again, a tree octopus is too cool an idea for to have not already been thought of.
Tentacular Orgies from The Oyster’s Garter
Squid Larva (from squidblog.net)
Here's a big congratulations to Miriam Goldstein of The Oyster's Garter fame, who managed to get a truly fascination article published on Slate.com.
Her article, entitled "Motion in the Ocean" is all about the Valentine woo-pitching (quote: "making the beast with two beaks") of squids off the California coast. I highly recommend the read, and be sure to check out the linked videos from the article as well!
And since I'm doling out the link love, I'd like to welcome the newest addition to the science blogging community, Anna of Anna's Bones, a blog dedicated to anthropology and evolution. Go check her out...
Cephalopodtastic Wooden Art!
It is well past time that I used my connection with you ocean/invertebrate blogging types to point you all to one of the most artistically talented branches of my family tree.
My cousin, Steven Garrison, has been an accomplished sculptor and artistic engineer for as far back as I can remember. My favorite of his types of work is his series of nautiloid carvings. Be sure to check them all out at his website, www.stevengarrison.com.
Update: (2/9/09) Steve has informed me that he managed to get his work in del Mano Gallery in Los Angeles (considered the premier gallery in the nation for woodwork - you'll find his work there sometime this summer). Congratulations Steve!
Eastern Red Cedar Shell - Steven Garrison
Fiddleback Nautiloid - Steven Garrison
Aromatic Red Cedar Nautiloid - Steven Garrison
He also makes all sorts of other crazy sculptures, the accomplishment and engineering of which can boggle the mind.
You MUST check out his elliptical gears about halfway through this clip.
And one of his latest pieces: wooden gear driven window blinds!
And finally, his own favorite piece:
"All Screwed Up" - Steven Garrison
Obviously, I've always harbored a bit of jealousy at Steve's talent. But that's ok - the artistic thread runs cleanly through his lineage. My Uncle Bill and Aunt Gloria are both highly accomplished artists as well, with Bill focusing on oils and Gloria on watercolors (and oils).
"Leatherwood Creek" - Bill Garrison
"A Fine Pair" - Gloria Garrison