Hyalella Azteca
I have recently been inspired by a small creature called the Hyalella Azteca, a little-known crustacean that lives in the sediment of streams and shallow waters throughout the world. Recently, studies have found high levels of toxicity at very low concentrations to the hyalella azteca due to the increasing use of a new group of pesticides called pyrethroids found in urban stormwater. I have created artwork in batik to highlight the connection between pesticides and the destruction of this very cool creature.
Hyalella Azteca are an important food source for trout and salmon.
In fact, there can be over 10,000 hyalella living within a square yard, darting about underneath rocks and plants to hide from predators.
Hyalella Azteca can grow up to ¼ inch long, here shown in size related to a penny. They are scavengers that eat microscopic plants, animals, and debris found at the bottom of streams. If you look closely, you will probably be able to see them in your local stream.
Ants! Unfortunately, pesticides used to control ants are highly toxic to the hyalella. Over 80,000 pounds of pyrethroid are used every year in the San Francisco Bay area to control ants, much of it sprayed outside on foundations and on lawns. When it rains, stormwater carries the pesticides into streams. Pyrethroids can be lethal to the tiny hyalella at concentrations as low as several parts per billion (less than a teaspoon in an Olympic size pool).
Hyalella Azteca, though small and generally overlooked, are a vital part of most aquatic ecosystems. Proper use of pesticides and proper disposal of all waste to prevent stormwater pollution can help save these creatures and the trout, salmon and other fish that depend on them.
Other recent work has been taking a new direction, incorporating figurative works with a 3-dimensional structural component. Mostly just fun. This is part of a series of 4 called "pass the ball"
Pass the Ball I |
Pass the Ball II |
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Pass the Ball III |
Pass the Ball IV |
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