Variant — Bioluminescence in Plankton Worms

Many organisms that reside in the deep sea are able to emit light from their bodies. This phenomenon, known as bioluminescence, commonly utilizes luciferin, a molecule that produces a blue glow when it oxidizes. The plankton worm, or tomopteris, is an organism where nearly all known species can emit this blue light, and one specific species pushes the boundary even further. Tomopteris Helgolandica can also produce another light, unique and uncommon to the deep sea. 

I’m Robert, and I’m creating a scaled-up three dimensional model of this specific plankton worm, glow and all. Through the mediums of fabrics, paints, and electronics, the freestanding light-up model will have two means of illumination to reflect the different instances that the varied glows are used for. Throughout the process, I’ll be posting weekly updates of the model as well as tidbits of information relating to Tomopteris Helgolandica, with the final result being a model paired with a cut-out template for the fabrics for DIY purposes. 

I am a primarily 3D artist with an affinity to lighting. The way that light can be produced, reflected, and perceived has been a driving force for me. The concept of a creature, in an environment completely void of sunlight, being able to manufacture and use light as a way of sustaining itself is what led me to pursue this topic. I want to capture the awe and wonder that I feel when I see this organism.