Diatom Lanterns is a series of
sculptural lanterns inspired by a type of algae
that reflect and modify light.
Diatoms
These multicellular creatures are full of creative solutions. They live in oceans, lakes, rivers, and soils around the world, generating energy by turning sunlight into oils and sugar.
Tiny but mighty, they produce 20% of the oxygen on the planet and are key drivers of oxygen and carbon cycles.
Diatom shells grow with astonishing precision, creating transparent barriers that manage materials and transform light.
Version Zero
This project started the goal of “making some art” one weekend.
It has since developed into a long-lasting curiosity that has crossed into biology, manufacturing, and optics.
How can diatoms inspire lanterns and light-based art?
Approach
This project is an invitation to think creatively about nart, science, and nature.
With each set of lanterns, I’ll include more biological principles and explore new-to-me technologies and manufacturing approaches.
SEM
Much of what we know about diatoms comes from scanning electron microscopy (SEM).
This technology creates black and white images by shooting a beam of electrons at a sample: capturing nanoscale details, showing the material characteristics, and allowing us to take measurements.
(Credit to Lichen Labs for all microscope images!)
Light Microscope
In most of my research I’ve seen diatoms as black and white images that detect materials rather than light. Diatom show as solid objects in most of these images.
A light microscope reveals a different image - their shells show up as transparent structures made of glass (SiO2).
…grown by living organisms using processes vastly gentler than current glass-making methods.
Version 1
January–June 2024
The first version of Diatom Lanterns started with what I know: CNC machining with wood and metal. This version is a modular lantern that can hang or stand on a table. It allowed me to learn about electronics, LEDs, lenses, and light filters.
First appearing as a set of ten at FreezerBurn, 2024, future upgrades may turn them into energy hubs that power groups of smaller lanterns.
Version 2
November 2024 – Present
The next version translated diatom forms into a compact lantern designed to cast patterns. Here I was learning 3D modelling and how to print organic shapes and cutstom parts. These small wall-mounted lanterns included wood, metal and 3D printed parts.
Back to Science
Adaptive Ecosystems is researching the process of diatom biosilification: how diatoms grow glass shells.
It turns out that understanding this process will require specialized expertise in chemistry, materials, and optics.
Reflection
Arts funding has given me permission to learn through experimentation. During this project I have followed hundreds of curiosities, some that worked, many that didn’t.
Experimentation and prototyping supported by
The Canada Council for the Arts
The City of Edmonton
The Edmonton Arts Council
Connect
Are you an expert on diatoms? A marine biologist with an interest in silification? Someone who knows a little more than most about mathematics or optics?