Friday, January 14, 2011

Radiolaria

Nope. Nothing to do with radios. Radiolaria are ancient, single-celled, marine organisms. There are 5000 species and each one builds its own unique style of protective 'shell'. There is an amazing array of configurations. Many are round and are fabulous mandalas. Others seem like nature creating 3D strings and patterns.


Go here to see a wonderful eight minute trailer for the film Proteus, a documentary concerning the life, work, and philosophy of Ernst Haeckel, a 19th century naturalist who documented 4000 of the 5000 species of radiolaria. The film uses many of his detailed engravings. The trailer shows a great many of these images. They zip by at lightning speed, but it's a good show. See more of his engravings of radiolaria here.

I'm going to borrow this film from my library.

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14 comments:

  1. JoniJanuary 14, 2011 at 9:40 AM

    Wow! These are incredible! It is mind-boggling how infinite the patterns in nature are, and the vast beauty held within. Thanks for introducing this treasure!

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  2. TerriJanuary 14, 2011 at 10:55 AM

    You learn something new every day! I love the Zentangle possibilities! Thanks for sharing!
    Terri

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  3. DIANEJanuary 14, 2011 at 12:58 PM

    Thanks for posting these links. I find his artwork absolutely fascinating. I just ordered the film from our library. Can't wait to see it. Ahhh, the wonder of nature.

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  4. IldikoJanuary 14, 2011 at 1:20 PM

    fabulous finds!
    nature's amazing treasures!
    thanks for posting!!!

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  5. RobbieJanuary 14, 2011 at 5:50 PM

    I actually bought a book from Dover publications of Haskel's drawings. They are wonderful!!

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  6. Sue ClarkJanuary 14, 2011 at 6:49 PM

    Have I told you how much I love following your blog? Not only for your beautiful art work, but for all the amazing articles and videos you post. That video and the pictures you posted are breathtaking! The intricate detail and shapes of the Radiolaria are something to behold. You can't help but stare at them for a long time. Thanks for sharing!

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  7. AnonymousJanuary 14, 2011 at 8:46 PM

    ABSOLUTELY fascinating.What interesting patterns in Nature!!I had never heard of Radiolaria.I am off to find out about Haskel as a person he sounds amazing.A Philosopher too!!

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  8. Shelly BeauchJanuary 14, 2011 at 10:23 PM

    Thanks for such wonderful ideas!!!

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  9. AnonymousJanuary 15, 2011 at 5:34 AM

    These are really amazing! Thanks for sharing them.

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  10. Carole OhlJanuary 15, 2011 at 9:10 AM

    That's just wow. Thanks for finding this and sharing!! i could swim around in these all day!

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  11. Margaret Bremner, ArtistJanuary 15, 2011 at 1:07 PM

    These are great aren't they? I still find it difficult to believe they're single-celled; they look way too complicated.

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  12. ledenzerJanuary 25, 2011 at 8:45 AM

    wow...this is so awe inspiring. I am such a lover of art.....I doodle but I love it when someone is a true artist. Thank you for sharing! I will definitely watch the trailer. I love engravings....yes wow again!

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  13. UnknownNovember 10, 2011 at 2:09 PM

    The forms are admirable.

    I wonder why nobody mentioned so far, that these are no radiolaria.

    Respect nature !

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  14. Margaret Bremner, ArtistNovember 10, 2011 at 3:37 PM

    Michael, please see Google's search for radiolarian images.
    http://www.google.ca/search?q=radiolarians&hl=en&biw=1367&bih=814&prmd=imvns&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=8F-8Tt_DLuTL0QGav53gBA&sqi=2&ved=0CDwQsAQ

    What do you understand by 'radiolaria'?

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