Kerrie Warren- Expressionism Through Paint

June 26, 2011 By 5 Comments

Expressionism is not your typical style of painting.  It allows the artist to do whatever they wish, without boundaries or limits.  There is no right or wrong to their work, just pure passion on canvas.

Some people see it as a variety of colors and nothing more, while others see something more defined and intense.  Either way, the work is awe-inspiring!

Today, the Expressionist Magazine sits down with Kerrie Warren, an Expressionist painter we found in Australia.  She’s halfway around the world, yet her work connects us all.

1. Tell us a little about yourself- where you are from, are you married, etc. (bio.)

I was born in Melbourne in 1968 and lived a ‘gypsy’ type lifestyle with my younger brother and sister, regularly moving from place to place.  My parents had grand ambitions and fresh ideas with each move so I remember it was always exciting to pack up, but emotionally torturous walking into the next ‘new school’.

To date, I’ve moved 34 times (including caravans) but like a tree I’ve grown roots here in Crossover (Victoria, Australia) with my husband Chris, two beautiful dogs, Garth and Tess, and an old horse named Billy.

I’m a country girl at heart and experienced living on a number of large properties as a child, so I’m completely at home here surrounded by green pasture, rolling hills, dairy cattle and wild birds (paradise for an artist / hermit).  I’ve been here for ten years now and my studio is an old (renovated) dairy.

2. At what age did you start painting, and what got you interested?

From a very young age I loved drawing and writing poetry.  I didn’t have access to paint and brushes, probably due to moving about so much (and pencils were quick to pack up).  My father and both grandfathers enjoyed drawing and I can remember myself and my brother Rodney spending hours upon hours drawing whenever we got a chance.  Mum would often surprise us with a new Derwent pencil and I’ll never forget how exciting it was to smell the wood and admire the fresh color!

But poetry was my pure expression of self.  If I ever felt ‘lost’ or ‘anxious’ (common feelings in those days), I would completely loose myself in the rhythmic words.  The sensation was so profound. From a very early age I was able to tap into ‘me within’, to ‘the source’, and my worries seemed insignificant and I would be at peace again for a short period.  Even reading my poetry late at night helped keep me sane (art therapy).

It wasn’t until years later I learned that poetry is ‘abstract’; it all started to fit into place like a jigsaw puzzle.

I left school to work when I was sixteen, following in my parents’ footsteps and working in a variety of fields hoping that something would ‘fit’. I wound up working in regional television and producing, which I enjoyed to some extent, but still found myself sitting in the car during my lunch breaks madly writing poetry.  I had a mid-life crisis at twenty-five, which was the best thing that ever happened.  I sold my car and enrolled to get my Diploma of Art in Ceramics (I had never touched clay before).

My whole being yearned to create and I allowed myself to be guided by instinct.  These studies also included formal drawing classes and I had taken on additional painting classes too.  The whole world seemed to open up before me and I fell in love with life itself.  I discovered in those years that the raw materials have a life of their own and instead of manipulating them, I would work with them and allow them to take me on a journey within (like poetry did).

I became more and more intrigued by the process itself and continued on to complete my Diploma of Transpersonal Art Therapy in Melbourne where my mind was opened up to ‘working in the moment’ to ‘abstract expressionism’ !

3. Tell us a little about the part of Australia where you currently reside.

I live in Crossover (West Gippsland), Victoria, Australia.  It is approximately 1.5 hours from our capital city, Melbourne.  http://www.westgippsland.com.au/

4. How would you describe Abstract Expressionism to those who may not be familiar with the art   form?

For those unfamiliar with this style of work it would be best to break it down first and look at the word, abstract, which means to not represent or imitate external reality. (Non-representational)

Expressionism represents the ability to express emotional experience rather than impressions of the external world.

‘Abstract Expressionism’ is also known as ‘Action Painting’.  My work is furiously energetic; a free and spontaneous application of paint which allows the release of pure creativity of the unconscious mind.

‘Spontaneous’ doesn’t necessarily mean ‘quick’ and certainly doesn’t mean ‘out of control.’  It’s about stepping into spontaneous itself and being ‘in flow;’ to be at one with the canvas and clear of mind in order to work in that zone and be taken on a journey within.  I’m greatly influenced by my environment and what is occurring in my life at the time.  When the paint dries and I become the viewer, it’s obvious to me that my work is a visual diary of events.

This process is more akin to tuning in a musical instrument than it is to a traditional painting style and I work with rhythm, balance, vibrancy and pitch (in a visual sense) to a point of resonation.  I work with the force of gravity and the thrust of energy; the physical movement in those moments is recorded on canvas in paint.  I walk out of my studio at the end of the day feeling like I’ve been hit by a truck, though the process itself is a spiritual comfort and quite addictive.

5. Who, or what, inspires you?

‘Life’ inspires me.  I’m absolutely fascinated by the miracle of life on Earth.  I’m fascinated by the Universe and what might be on the other side of it.  I’m intrigued by life after death, by God and by the power of Mother Nature and why I might be here, in other words, ‘my purpose’.

I feel that I’m close to knowing something more, to seeing something more, to understanding something else when I’m in the process of creating.  It ‘feels like that’ to me and it is this sensation that draws me back into the studio day after day.

I feel more like a mad scientist than an artist most of the time and yet I have no answers. I don’t experience ‘creative blocks’; I simply make a start and then seem to be following a thread.  It’s excitably tormenting!

I became in-tune with this process during my studies in Transpersonal Art Therapy where I experienced working on the floor, working within the moment and often during meditation or after chanting and drumming sessions.

It was after this period when I first heard ‘the Pollock comments’ (often sarcastic) and I became curious.

I started researching and learning more about this Jackson Pollock.  I was intrigued to learn that, he too, had lived a gypsy type life as a child and had experienced Shamanism (as I did during my Transpersonal Art Therapy studies).

Over time I’ve become more and more fascinated by, energized by, and absolutely inspired and excited by his work.  Even though we are separated by lifetimes and continents, I feel a very powerful and personal connection that I honor and cherish.

6. Do you have any mentors?

I have a number of mentors including my mother (and artist) Judi Money and husband Chris Major who both offer understanding, encouragement, and belief in me and my work.

I’ve formed lifelong friendships with a number of my surrounding colleagues and time after time we have mentored each other and emotionally supported each other through the various cycles of living an artist’s life.

I do, however, experience moments in my career when I feel quite alone and I’m not sure of the next step (not inside the studio, but outside) and ‘self managing’ my career.  Each step is a new one to me.

7. What are your goals, dreams?

To be approached by a ‘Peggy Guggenheim’ who will be absolutely taken by my work, believe in my work and manage my career!

I would also love to create historically significant (and very large scale) works to be hung in and collected by state galleries and museums around the world.

To be known as Australia’s great ‘Action Painter’ on a global scale.

To discover what’s on the other side of the universe through my work (I don’t ask for much).

8. Where can we view your work currently?

I currently have work exhibiting in the Red Sea Gallery, Brisbane (Queensland), Australia and am in the process of organizing my up and coming solo show in Melbourne (details soon) where I will also launch my new design label ‘Kerrie Warren Designs’ inspired by the Guggenheim.

Until I exhibit again in New York, you can view my work on-line at www.kerriewarren.com.au

and my studio is always open by appointment if you happen to be close by.


9. Tell us about your favorite piece, if you have one.

Each piece is significant because it links to the previous and the following much like a chain of events, but I’m always most excited about the piece on the floor!

10. What does painting do for you on an emotional level?

Painting emotionally stabilizes me and provides a spiritual comfort; it allows the release of pure creativity of the unconscious mind.

11. How much time do you spend working on each piece of art?

I tend to work furiously over a 1 – 2 day period and then continue in a more subtle sense while the paint is drying (tuning it in), which is generally over the course of a week depending on the weather.

I enjoy building my own stretchers and bonding with the canvas itself before I launch into it.  It’s like ‘warming up’ first.

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Experience The Dali Museum

June 7, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Written by Jonathon LaMella
Website: jonathonlamella.webs.com and twitter.com/jonathonlamella


The Dali Museum which opened in St. Petersburg, Florida has drawn visitors from all over the world. Even Princess Cristina of Spain. The structure is set next to the water and boast a modern design. A glass tube runs alongside the building and glass dome. There is nothing else in the world like it. The inside features a gift shop and café. I highly recommend the veggie wraps. You can also eat outside under an umbrella table overlooking the water. To get to the galleries you can take the spiral stairs which lead to the upper floor. There you can look out the glass structure. You may take the elevators as well but it will take away from the experience.

But who is Salvador Dali? Once you know who he is and discover his background you can became more familiar with his work.

Salvador Felipe Jacinto Dali I Domenech was born at 8:45 on the morning of May 11, 1904 in the small agricultural town of Figueres, Spain. Figueres is located in the foothills of the Pyrenees, only sixteen miles from the French border in the principality of Catalonia. The son of a prosperous notary, Dali spent his boyhood in Figueres and at the family’s summer home in the coastal fishing village of Cadaques where his parents built his first studio. As an adult, he made his home with his wife Gala in nearby Port Lligat. Many of his paintings reflect his love of this area of Spain.

The young Dali attended the San Fernando Academy of Fine Arts in Madrid. He did not graduate though. He refused to take a final exam and walked out of the class with all of the students following behind him. He passionately believed that he knew more than his professors did and didn’t have to prove his skills. But Dali’s reputations for drawing attention and causing a stir didn’t stop there. When he was a young man he went up into his room and bit his lips as hard as he could until they bled. When they were stained red he applied white powered to his face and then sauntered down the streets where the neighbors praised him for his beauty; unaware that his red lips were covered with blood. Early recognition of Dali’s talent came with his first one-man show in Barcelona in 1925. He became internationally known when three of his paintings, including The Basket of Bread (now in the Museum’s collection), were shown in the third annual Carnegie International Exhibition in Pittsburgh in 1928. Dali soon became a leader of the Surrealist Movement. His painting, The Persistance of Memory, with the soft or melting watches is still one of the best-known surrealist works.

Themes

The majority of Dali’s works swim with themes of his life, past, sexuality, religion and science. At one point in his life Dali had lost his brother. Shortly after his mother gave birth to another son. Dali resented them for having another child after the death of his brother. He hated his younger brother and this eventually melted into his artwork. In one of his paintings he shows Spanish soldiers attacking plump cherries. These cherries represented his guilt and ego because Dali found himself being torn apart by his hatred for his younger brother and his guilt for feeling such dark feelings for his family. Another aspect of his life that haunted him was his problem with masturbation which can be seen in a variety of his artwork. One for example shows a hand reaching into a jar that contains a penis. Others show his hatred for bureaucracy. But his work has not come without controversy. Some of his paintings mix together images of Jesus Christ and sexual images that many find sacrilegious and blasphemous. During the tour we learned one person had even visited another museum and slashed a picture of Jesus that they perceived as offensive. One shows Jesus on the cross but not bleeding or suffering. Dali did not do this out of malice toward Christianity but stated that he did not want to see Jesus suffer.

I was also surprised to learn that science and mathematics played a major part in his other works. A photograph of the Mediterranean Sea when looked at twenty meters away becomes Abraham Lincoln. Such works reflect his intelligence of science and mathematics. Copies of his paintings, portraits, and photographs can be bought at the gift shop.

Don’t Miss The Tour!

If you want to have a full experience and understand what the gallery has to offer and know the meanings of Dali’s artwork and his rich history, then missing the tour isn’t an option. It’s also free and can be joined at any time. The tour guides are friendly and will answer any of your questions. You can find the tour schedules on the website. www.thedali.org

Note: Admission to the museum requires payment. Only the tour is free.

 

 

 

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Hidden Treasures at Cayce’s Home Consignment

May 4, 2011 By 3 Comments

Nestled in northern Land O’ Lakes, stands a shop unlike any other.  It is a place where you are greeted with a warm welcome, free beverages and rooms upon rooms of merchandise, that if you listen closely, will talk to you.  From the moment you walk in the door, you feel like you’re at home and that’s something that takes years to build upon; except this place is only six weeks old.  This little treasure is Cayce’s Home Consignments, and its walls are filled with art that most people typically overlook.

It started when former Hillsborough County teacher, Catherine Borkowski, came across property in northern Land O’ Lakes.  The piece of land somehow called her to it.  Borkowski knew then and there that her dream of being a small business owner could come true.  She also knew in her heart that that small business was going to be the most unique consignment shop in the state of Florida.

The idea came from her ability and need to redecorate her home, and visiting many local consignment shops in the area was where she found the right pieces to make her rooms complete.  That spawned the notion that, “I can do this, if not better… but I can do this”.

She credits the stores beginning to the help of God, and her beloved mother, Carolyne, who funded the dream and Christina Thomas a dear friend and financial advisor who she said with out her guidance, Cayce’s Home Consignment would not be in business today.

At first her mother was a bit skeptical, but upon visiting the property and seeing the incredible vision her daughter had, she knew it was going to be a success.  During the last few weeks in March of 2011, Borkowski opened Cacey’s Home Consignments and runs it now with her husband.

She didn’t name her new venture after herself, like most people would; instead, she decided on a family name. Cayce was chosen, the name of the legendary sleeping prophet Edgar Cayce, also Katherine Borkowski’s great uncle.

It wasn’t long before folks started to notice this new shop, and consigned their goods to her.  Now she has over hundreds of pieces and fifty consignors, with Borkowski’s very first consignor still bringing goods to her regularly.  Upon receiving the first piece from that consignor, Borkowski was told, ”I want you to sell my stuff; this is what God wants me to do.”  So once again, the powers and credit of the shop’s early success stem from God, according to Borkowski.

What makes this place even more unique than your average consignment shop are the themed rooms. “Everyone themes their rooms at home without even realizing it,” says the shop owner, therefore, theming the shop accordingly.  Borkowski wants her customers to experience what they already do at home, and to see the shop in a way that is not only inviting, but breathes creativity.  “I just want everyone of my customers to feel at home,” states Borkowski.

By doing this, the customer can see how different patterns mix and match, as well as woods and textiles.

Each room in Cayce’s Home Consignments has a name, and those names change as new pieces come in and transfer out. The current names of these rooms are:  The Grand Show Room, The Man Cave, Grandmother’s Attic, The French Foyer, The Italian Ren Kitchen, The Rose Room, The Wedding Nook, The Chicken Coop, All Roads Lead to Rome, The Roman Baths and The Asian Persuasion Room.

In addition to having walls and rooms packed with great antiques and nick nacks, Cayce’s Home Consignments also offers free tea parties, a wine and cheese night, and vendor sales.  Borkowski allows anyone who wants to throw a party in her amazing backyard, with trees and a fountain, the ability to do so for free.  Where else can you find something like that?

She also takes her customer service one step further and offers redecoration services.  If you give her free reign, Borkowski will come to your house and redecorate it with a fresh eye.  She lets her creativity flow and creates a room that will stir up conversation for you and your guests, all while making room for your new piece of furniture or accent decorations that you purchased from the store.

“I’ve always been creative, and this allows me to channel that creativity and make something beautiful for my clients,” says the shop owner.

Loyal customer and dear friend of Borkowski, Lynn Angelica states, “It’s the most beautiful place to come and be able to see what you would like your home to look like, because she sets it out so pretty.”

Angelica found this “shop of wonders” one day just by driving down the street and decided to stop in.  Now she’s one of the Cayce’s Home Consignments most loyal customers.

The shop has thrived so well mainly because of  repeat customers, which Borkowski so dearly appreciates.

One of the best aspects I found in the store was the knowledge Borkowski has of the products she sells.  Borkowski took me on a tour and showed me some very interesting things, teaching me about them and explaining why they are so unique.  Most of the shop’s items I had no idea existed, and never would have guessed their function in a million years.  Borkowski provides these informational tid bits free of charge as well.  She still captures the spirit of a teacher and, regardless of what she does, will find  a way to educate her customers.

So come in and explore the great trinkets and furniture, learn their stories and talk with an amazing person who completes the shop’s unusual zen.  You’ll stop in once and keep coming back for more.

You can find out more about Cayce’s Home Consignments by visiting their website at http://caceyshomeconsign.com

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Today’s Beauty Based on Lies

March 6, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Jon Benet Ramsey NO PHOTOSHOP

America’s obsession with beauty has grown out of control, fueled mostly by ads and pictures found in magazines. It seems that each magazine is packed full of fashion photos, beauty product reviews and tips, but to make matters worse, they are also full of deception.

These magazines not only target adult women, but also impressionable teens and pre-teens, showing them exactly what “true beauty” shouldook like. The women who look at these magazines then compare themselves to these models and feel anything but adequate to the women in these pictures.

The photographs set the bar of what beauty is, and therefore, the women who feel they don’t match up will do whatever it takes to be as beautiful or even more beautiful than the women in the magazine. This is a tactic beauty product companies have used in order to make a multi-billion dollar industry based on the insecurities of women.

Unfortunately, in most cases, the photos are completely changed to promote attractiveness. The model’s skin is digitally airbrushed, her weight is altered, and the hips and bust are enhanced.

The problem is women are shooting for a standard of beauty that can only be obtained through digital manipulation. To the untrained eye the photos look realistic. Women are led to believe that the products these models endorse really do work. What they fail to realize is, these photos are completely faked.

The question is, does it really matter? Is this really hurting anyone? Unfortunately, yes.

The need to be beautiful has been fueled by false portrayals through these photographs. The goal is to sell these beauty products in order to make money. As a photographer, I see both sides of the equation. I don’t feel there is anything wrong with making money, but I do feel it should be done honestly.

I can see the reasoning from the beauty product companies for doing what they do. If they placed people on their ads with major flaws, no one would buy their products. However, doctoring the photos to an extreme, is just wrong.

I feel that a little touching up on a photo is fine. If you want to reduce some wrinkles, remove acne, or lighten up dark shadows under the eyes, then go right ahead. However, a woman who is over 40 will present some aging, so leave some flawing for a sense of realism.

On the other hand, digitally altering photos to the extent they have, has made women compare themselves to the unrealistic. They think if they are not a size 0 or 1, then they must be fat. And because these older models seen in magazines have absolutely no wrinkles, then female readers feel unattractive with just a few frown lines or crow’s feet.

This can cause severe insecurity among women. To make themselves feel better and more beautiful they will go out and buy these beauty products hoping they can achieve the same results as the models on the ads and in these magazines. When they don’t achieve the same results, which most of them won’t for reasons I will explain later, they are now at risk for more serious problems.

Some women will turn to plastic surgery. There is nothing wrong with plastic surgery except that it won’t last. Breast implants, for one, will need to be checked regularly, and in most cases, replaced after so many years. This is expensive, but once the surgery is completed, these women will have no choice but to spend money keeping the surgery up.

In other cases, women and men will go under the knife to surgically enhance their nose, face, or other extremities they see in magazines. Again, there is nothing wrong with this, except every time you go under the knife you are taking the risk of death and the possibility the surgery will actually become deformed or unsuccessful.

I have read stories and seen television shows on how plastic surgery can go horribly wrong. Sometimes once the surgery is a failure, the end results can’t be fixed which forces these people to live their life with a deformity. The sad part is, they were perfectly fine before they even had the surgery.

If physical features aren’t the problem, then weight becomes the issue.

Every year around summertime I see ads in magazines and on television talking about the dreaded “bikini season.” So, women will tend to diet in order to look their best in their swimsuits

Hoping to lose weight quickly, some women will turn to fasting, crash diets, dangerous dietary supplements, and energy drink consumption in order to boost their metabolism. All of these methods of weight loss can be extremely dangerous especially if you are not under the watch of a doctor.

Some women will virtually kill themselves to fit into that size one dress, because they are constantly being exposed to skinny models on television and in magazines. To these women, thin equals beautiful. In our modern society, there is great pressure to be a certain weight. According to most height to weight charts, 110 pounds for a female who is 5’4″ or taller, is very underweight.

As these people fight for their optimal weight, they may develop severe eating disorders and other health related issues. Some will take to more drastic measures such as stomach stapling and lap bands, which are medically done but can be extremely dangerous.

Again, these individuals are comparing themselves to the greatly enhanced and highly unrealistic photos of celebrities and models.

I’ve been a photographer now since the mid 1980s. I’ve had clients require me to alter photos in order to enhance their appearance. In turn, I have successfully shaved 20 pounds off my subjects. I have removed scars, baldness, wrinkles, pale skin, acne, eye bags, and other flaws. I have taken away “the muffin top,” as they say, creating a more toned stomach

If you’ve never seen these people in person or seen the photos prior to being altered, you’d swear that’s how they look in real life. That’s why most people can walk by a supermodel or celebrity and not even recognize them.

What we also tend to forget is that each of us are made of different gene structures. With our unique set of genes, each one of us tends to age differently, wear our weight and bulk differently, and have different complexions. So no matter what we do to ourselves surgically or regardless of how many beauty products we buy, a person may never be able to achieve the look they want to, just because their genes won’t allow it. Photoshop, on the other hand, has no idea what a gene structure is.

Despite the health risks involved from altered photos, we also face unethical practices.

A few years ago I heard a story about a plastic surgeon who gave breast implants to a girl who was under sixteen. The teen simply wanted to enhance her figure. Her parents allowed it, but they too were obsessed with their bodies and had no qualms about plastic surgery.

This young girl said it was her body, and she could do whatever she wanted with it. She’s right, except she forgot a major piece of the equation that a parent and doctor should have recognized. She was still developing!

The young girl went to a few plastic surgeons and all of them turned her down. Determined to find a doctor, the teenager and her parents kept searching till they found one who had no ethics and just cared about the almighty dollar.

As previously stated, this girl was hardly done developing her cup size. Some young women do not finish developing until they are in college. So what if that happened here? What if this teen grew three cup sizes in addition to the implants and then develops physical and emotional issues down the road?

As long as there is a need to be beautiful and the money to pay for it, there will be a doctor who will throw out morals and ethics to achieve riches.

Where have we gone too far in terms of photo altering? I have two examples that stand out in my head, the first one involving the famous model, Twiggy.

In 2009, an Olay Regenerist advertisement featuring Twiggy, hit the stands and caused quite a stir. The ad showed a flawless Twiggy making the Olay cream look like a miracle cure. Twiggy was 60 when this ad was released, and to the shock of everyone who saw it, she didn’t have a wrinkle present or any other signs of aging…. just flawless and radiant skin.

This ad did not fool the British government however; they banned it from being released in the United Kingdom. They know Twiggy all too well because she is a resident of England. They know and have seen pictures taken of her without her makeup, showing wrinkles and other skin

imperfections. They cited Olay with misleading advertising and forced the removal of the ad from all media outlets.

No matter her age, Twiggy is gorgeous and didn’t need to be touched up to that extent.

In another example, have you ever Googled pictures of JonBenet Ramsey? If you have, you’d probably be shocked from what you see.

At the time of her death, Ramsey was 6-years-old. She was a natural beauty, who was years away from puberty. Still, her photos are completely airbrushed which is not only unnecessary, but makes her look 10 years older than she actually is.

Now, I see a lot of 6-year-olds everywhere. I have yet to see one without radiant glowing skin, or one that is riddled with wrinkles and acne and other major flaws. So why did they have to airbrush Ramsey to the extent she was?

It’s things like this that set a false sense of reality, which is immoral and unethical.

As I said earlier in this passage, I do want to say that I completely support a little touch up here and there. I understand acne and scars and skin imperfections can be embarrassing; however, completely airbrushing a photo and altering a person’s weight and featuresto sell a product is WRONG.

In conclusion, I wish to give out this advice to everyone.

We all have a flaw or two; we’re human after all. We need to use these flaws to bring out our strong points; be proud of them and learn to exploit them in the best way we can. Let’s not be afraid to flaunt our flaws because that’s what makes us unique and gives us the ability to stand out in a crowd.

Don’t worry what anyone else thinks of you; they don’t have to see you each and everyday. Don’t change yourself to please them.

If you are wanting to model or try out for a part, don’t ever take one that forces you to alter yourself, other than hair, because it isn’t worth it. Find someone who will be happy to use you for who you are.

And most importantly, if you want to diet, do so under the guidance of a respected doctor and be sure to exercise and eat properly. Don’t swarm to these dangerous diets and supplements. They may work fast but don’t last. Take the weight off gradually and when your results stop, that is your body telling you it’s enough. Enjoy who you are!

For more on Jason Dowd or Dowd Studios visit http://dowdstudios.com

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Living Breathing Art – Drysdale Aquariums

November 11, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Visiting a friend this past summer I ran across an amazing fish tank; as he’s a Marine Biologist. However, instead of looking at this breathtaking 300 gallon aquarium, I looked at it differently. What I saw was more than a few species of fish and coral, what I saw was an amazing living, breathing piece of art.

This art is unlike any other, it’s something nature paints but masterfully put together by Doug Drysdale. When Drysdale puts together his eco art, he must consider so many things such as: what species go together, what climate its going to endure, the care the owner wants to provide, and color scheme. If Drysdale doesn’t consider each element, the tank and all that inhabit it could perish.

His art is so unique, that every tank is completely different, yet the depth of the art is shown when one takes the time to really study each element separately. For instance, if you really want to wow your viewers, place a black light over the tank to see an amazing color change in the sea urchins and most fish. Step back and see the grandure that is the mighty coral, yet so fragile in its own right; but still provide shelter to the fish that live in the small glass contained eco-system.

After sitting down and talking with Drysdale I walked away with a new understanding to this living art. I discovered things I had never known before, for instance, Coral is a living organism despite its rocky bone like appearance. Prior to talking with Drysdale, I always thought Coral was dead just living things grew off it. Coral is also very fragile, despite its strong exterior. It can crumble from various things like toxins in the water to climate changes and light.

According to Drysdale, different coral and other anomalies live at different depths of the ocean. At these depths certain rays of light are able to penetrate, if that light is too strong inside the tank, those deep living coral can become in a sense ‘sunburnt’.

Additionally, Coral has many ways to defend itself. As other coral grows and spreads, a piece of coral may defend its territory by omitting a toxin. Some of these toxins cause slime, shock, and other reactions. Looking at it, would you have any idea coral did this?

Going further in the conversation, I found out that toxins in the air can affect the tank and the life it contains. Those toxins can come from you simply cleaning your house or office. For instance, if you were to spray Windex or something of this nature on the tank, the glass can absorb that acid and affect the water or the overspray can land in the water. Air freshener and other sprayable household cleaners can get into the water by air transfer. These toxins can offset the pH in the water; depending on the level it rises to, it could kill some or all of the tanks inhabitants.

Drysdale suggests using natural items to clean around your tank, and the tank itself such as vinegar. Vinegar is 100% natural, and it doesn’t contain other caustic chemicals. The worst that will happen is it rises the pH in the system which must be counteracted by a base. Household chemicals have other ingredients which may not be easily fixed if it contaminates the tank.

What’s really amazing is the colors one can add to these fish tanks. I was amazed with the brilliant yellows, reds and oranges these anomalies came in. The fish too can add brilliant colors for a perfect blend of color and accents to the tank.

If you’re one of those who needs to be exotic, you can add some Lion fish or maybe an Octopus into the equation. The possibilities are endless, yet it provides a piece of art that’s forever changing, and art that you can look at over and over again and never see the same thing twice.

Drysdale sells pieces for your aquarium out of his home based business in Lutz, FL. He’s open Saturday and Sunday for you to come and see his inventory of fish, coral and anomalies. You can find Drysdale by visiting his website at http://www.DrysdaleAquarium.com

About Doug Drysdale of Drysdale Aquarium

As a biologist (Tufts ’95), I take the time to educate my customers who wish to develop their skills and knowledge as hobbyists and encourage active participation with regular operations.

Conservation, continuing education, promotion of aquaculture and ethical ecological practices are cornerstones of my business philosophy.

I am proud to say that the majority of the corals I provide to my customers are grown in my other systems, minimizing impact on the world’s reefs. As more and more fish species become available to us, I am delighted to provide tank raised clownfish, blennies, basslets and cardinal fishes and a growing number of species whenever they are available. Kudos to the pioneers of marine fish breeding and rearing! -DD

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