Last week, I had the pleasure of attending an exhibit of photographer
David Littschwager's work at Cavallo Point Lodge
near Sausalito, California. Littschwager is known for
his images of flora and fauna around the world. His most recent work, known as
"One Cubic Foot," depicts wildlife from ecosystems worldwide. In each location,
Littschwager photographed every species he could find in a cubic foot. The
resulting images are a lifelike index of biodiversity. When blown up in
proportion, the tiny beetles, crabs, and centipedes are revealed in their true
glory; many of these creatures boast vibrant colors and patterns that would be
unnoticed without Littschwager's perceptive lens.
The exhibit at Cavallo Point featured images taken on the island of Moorea
in French Polynesia, where Seacology has provided support for a marine reserve and which we recently visited on an
expedition to French Polynesia. On Moorea,
Littschwager collaborated with the Moorea Biocode Project, an
impressive undertaking supported by the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation. The
goal of the project is to create a library of every plant, animal, and fungi
species on the island
of Moorea. With
Littschwager finding so many creatures in just one cubic foot, the biocode
project certainly has its work cut out. When they finish, the project will be a
valuable resource for ecologists, marine biologists, and island enthusiasts
alike.
On Moorea, Littschwager chose to depict the biodiversity found in one of
the island's coral reefs. His images include clams, starfish, crabs, and other
marine wildlife, many of which are strikingly beautiful. They are a powerful
reminder of just how many amazing plants and animals are protected in every
cubic foot that Seacology supports.
If you are near the Bay Area, be sure to stop by Cavallo Point to see
Littschwager's exhibit. You can also see his work in the March 2010 issue of
National Geographic, or on the magazine's website.
Image from Wikimedia Commons
