Killer Sponge Discovery: She's Carnivorous

Four new species of carnivorous sponges were discovered by the research team at the Monterey Bay Aquarium in the deep ocean. My new painting series was inspired by these fascinating new species. Most sponges feed by filtering water though pores in their bodies and filter the bacteria to eat. In the deep ocean, that's not energy efficient. These newly discovered carnivorous sponges have thousands of microscopic hooks or spicules that trap larger prey when it lands on the spiny skeletons. The prey is slowly digested over a few days. I was struck by now the creatures were named because they all have a specific story and inspiration. Equally fascinating is the unique shape of the spicules for each of the individual species. For more information about the recently discovered sponges, please visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium's website.   mbari.org


MBARI's film that inspired the paintings

Asbestopluma monticola, 10.5" x 8", gouache on paper, 2014.

Asbestopluma monticola, whose name means mountain dweller, was found on the ancient lava flow at Davidson Seamount off the Central California coast. There were several organisms in various states of decomposition found on this species.

Asbestopluma rickettsi, 10.5" x 8", gouache on paper, 2014.

Asbestopluma rickettsi, was named after marine biologist Ed Ricketts, who was immortalized in John Steinbeck’s book, Cannery Row.

    

Cladorhiza caillieti, 8" x 10.5", gouache on paper, 2014.

Cladorhiza caillieti was discovered on a lava flows near Vancover Island and named after professor and marine biologist Gregor Cailliet from Moss Landing Marine Laboratories at CalState.

Cladorhiza evae, 8" x 10.5", gouache on paper, 2014.

Cladorhiza evae, named after marine biologist Lonny Lundsten's wife Eva. He was part of the research team who discovered the creature. These creatures were found growing in groups near a hydrothermal chimney along the Alarcon Rise off the tip of Baja.

Stomatopod- new etching

Stomatopod, 5" x 7", etching, ed. 20, 2014

Stomatopods or Mantis Shrimps have one of the most advanced abilities to see color. Our eyes contain millions of light sensitive cells called rods and cones. Rods enable us to see light and motion and cones enable us to see color. Humans have 3 color-receptive cones, butterflies 5, and Stomatopods 16. These beautiful creatures are only 6 – 12 inches but are creatively violent. They have two raptorial appendages on the front of its body. These accelerate with the same velocity as a gunshot fired from a 22-caliber bullet. Their limbs move so quickly, the water around them boils in a process known as supercavitation. When these cavitation bubbles collapse it produces an undersea shockwave that can kill prey even if the Stomatopod misses its target. The force of these collapsing bubbles also produces temperatures in the range of several thousand Kelvins and emits tiny bursts of light. This effect is called sonoluminescence. Their limbs are so resilient; researchers have been studying their cell structure for use in the development of advanced body armor for combat troops. Aquariums don’t house Stomatopods because they tend to slaughter every other creature they share a tank with and also because they can break aquarium glass.  

Angela Meleca Gallery in Columbus Ohio

I'm very excited to be working with Angela Meleca Gallery in Columbus, Ohio. Check out this lovely installation of my paintings downtown on E. Broad Street. Please visit the website for more information. http://www.angelamelecagallery.com/artists/ 

Apartment Therapy feature

paintings by Renee Robbins

Apartment Therapy features my paintings in this gorgeous apartment in Chicago's Lincoln Square. "The Kings have mastered an original balance between traditional and modern, elegant and humorous, and classic and avant-garde." Check out this super fun apartment feature that includes several of my paintings.

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/the-kings-quirky-castle-house-tour-206067#_

Lure: only the females glow

Lure, 30" x 30", acrylic on canvas, 2014.

A new painting entitled, Lure, inspired by glowworms that live in Watimoto Caves in New Zealand. Only the female glowworms have the capability to glow and exhibit bioluminescence. I found that really interesting because typically in nature, the males are the ones that exhibit special features. I used sparkly mica particles in the paint so it changes colors when you look at it from different angles. This piece will be exhibited at Packer Schopf Gallery (942 W Lake, Chicago) from Sept 5 - Oct 18, 2014.

Man O' War- new etching

Man-O-War, 5"x7", etching and aquatint, ed. 20, 2014.

This piece is based on the Portuguese Man O' War. While it may have the appearance of a jellyfish, it's actually a Siphonophore. This organism is made up of multiple individual creatures called zooids that function and act as one creature.  However, zooids can not function on their own and they depend on each other for survival. 

Golden Arrow- new etching

Golden Arrow, 5" x 7", etching and aquatint, 2014.

I called this piece "Golden Arrow" after the Polychaete creatures that live in the deep abyssal plains. The forms of their bodies can vary greatly among species and some may even swim amongst plankton. Arrows can function as signs, symbols, tools, and also as weapons. I like the idea that an arrow could point somewhere fantastical and that the arrow point usually plays a role in determining the function.