Upwell
2018

As a whale moves through the ocean, it creates a wake of turbulence. It contributes to an upwelling in the ocean that we are just beginning to learn about.  Upwelllaunches a longer project inspired by the life, migration, and communication of whales.  This series explores the movement in the ocean as it is stirred up by the action of blue whales.  A blue whale is sleek and massive, up to 300,000 lbs, and around 80 feet long.  It will often swim at a depth of around 43 feet, but can reach a depth of 1600 feet.  Typically it will hold its breath for 10 – 20 minutes, but can sustain a held breath for up to 35 minutes.  As blue whales travel deep and then surface to breath, they stir the ocean.  Recently there are theories about the role of whales in climate balance, with their diving and surfacing, eating and defacating rhythms. Essentially the action of large whales contributes to the absorption of carbon – and this contributes to balancing temperatures.  Upwellexplores the simplest level – layers of sea life and the fluid actions within the ocean, and the gentle, yet huge, impact of an immense animal moving fluidly and powerfully through these layers.