Ali Richardson

As an artist, I am drawn to the idea that beauty and wonder can be found in even the smallest and seemingly insignificant corners of our world. In the realm of the canvas, I embark on a journey into the world of the unseen, venturing into the hidden corridors of human emotion and imagination. In my paintings, I explore the intricate beauty and hidden wonders of the microscopic world through the mesmerising diatoms and dinoflagellates of the microcosmos.

Diatoms and dinoflagellates, often overlooked in our daily lives, are single-celled organisms that play a crucial role in our planet's ecosystem. As a visual artist, I am captivated by their stunning geometric shapes and intricate patterns, which are created through their silica cell walls. I aim to shed light on the hidden artistry of these microscopic beings. The choice of an orange background serves to symbolise the energy and vibrancy of life that diatoms and dinoflagellates contribute to our world. It is a hue that radiates warmth and vitality, encapsulating the spirit of these tiny organisms that quietly sustain life in our oceans and lakes.
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Nestled against a vibrant orange backdrop, the rendering in shades of blue and gold, brings to life a testament to the delicate balance and resilience of life on a minuscule scale. They are evidence of the fragile balance of nature. Blue represents the depth and mystery of the aquatic environments where they thrive, while gold symbolises their value in the broader ecosystem, akin to precious jewels in the natural world.

Like all living things, they die, and in their death, surrounded by the silica of the ocean floor, over millions of years they are reborn as Opal.

At its heart, these three paintings are a testament to the transformative power of art. Just as opals reveal their magnificent colours when struck by light at a specific angle, so too do our inner worlds come alive when illuminated by the spark of inspiration and creativity. These paintings are a celebration of that revelation, an homage to the profound beauty concealed within the depths of our subconscious.