Microbes are extremely tiny living things, smaller than the eye can see. They are found everywhere: in water we drink, in the air we breathe, and even within our bodies. Some microbes make us sick, while others are important for our health. Natural bodies of water contain thousands of species of living microscopic organisms. Each species is categorized into one of three domains: Archaea, Bacteria, and Eukarya. Every type of microbe occupies an essential niche within the system and maintains balance through competition with other microbes. Imbalances in the system can cause significant changes on local and global nutrient availability. When the microbial balance shifts, contamination, disease, and death can cascade up the food web. For Example, yearly rainfall and snowmelt along the Mississippi River washes fertilizers and contaminants downstream to the Gulf of Mexico. Once the nutrients arrive in the Gulf, microscopic algae conglomerate into massive blooms, driving away sea life and reducing local microbe diversity. Today, scientists are developing innovative methods to treat, filter, and re-balance damaged microbial communities.

This artwork illustrates the teeming mix of microscopic living organisms in our water and all around us, enlarging them to a massive scale and emphasizing their unique complexity. Much like the visually-enhanced photography and scientific illustration of actual microbes, each microbial artwork is embellished with UV-reactive media for maximum visibility. This not only creates a dynamic visual presence, but also references UV reactivity techniques used in lab research for both examination and illustration of microorganisms.

Microbes are a crucial part of our water and our biosphere. Visualizing these life forms reinforces the critical impact of microbial systems. This work illustrates the ongoing cultivation of a healthy balance of microbes in our water to benefit not only humans, but the entire ecosystem.