Sea shells – where did the art go?
Sea shells capture the beauty and childhood memories of people world wide. This naturally created art-form has inspired the ancient Greeks with Aphrodite, famous artists such as Botticelli, and many wonderful crafters, painters, sculptors and jewelers.
What I have found surprising is the polarization of using sea shells as an art-form and disappointingly, the lack of modern art using sea shells as either inspiration or as a medium! Sure the beach-side industry has maintained momentum particularly with public sculptures and momentos but as for fine art, it seems to have been relegated to a craft affair.
Sea-shell art in history
Venus on seashell, from the Casa di Venus, Pompeii. Before 79 AD.
The Birth of Venus (Botticelli)
Aphrodite by Lotta-Lotos
Aphrodite, goddess of love – artist unknown
Pair of Geyers sea horse drinking vessels. The cup opens via a hinge at the edge where the sea horse meets the nautilus shell.
Sea-shell paintings and drawings
Watercolour illustration art painting by SeasideStudiosUK
Watercolor by Tamara Phillips, Canada
Ernst Haeckel – Ptychites_opulentus
Ernst Haeckel
Ernst Haeckel
Sea-shell sculptures
The Sccallop sculpture by Maggi Hambling, Aldeburgh.
Oak Shell sculpture by Martin Pigg
Mark Quinn’s bronge giant shell
Cleveleys beach metal shell sculpture
Nautilus House by Javier Senosiain
Nautilus House by Javier Senosiain
Sea-shell craft
Sculpture by Lollo Kiki Designs
Pebble Art of Nova Scotia by Sharon Nowlan
Mammoth Tusk Ivory Netsuke
JUDY APOL at ECLIPSE GALLERY
Driftwood heart limited edition by Karen Miller
Driftwood bowl by Karen Miller
Debbie Claxton’s ‘SLS Shell Series’ printed in 3D
Art Glass Black and Clear Conch Shell Sculpture
Saving the shells
Last week the the University of California asked to use my image for their white abalone program. The white abalone was designated as federally endangered in the United States in 2001. Since then they have established a captive breeding program and plan to outplant white abalone in the future to save this endangered species.
To Ben and the team – good luck!! Plus you inspired my sea shell art blog today (which I hope doesnt inspire folk to take live shells though).
My abalone line drawing by Dina Goebel.
ALWAYS THE ARTIST
Dina
