Sarah and Daniela present Skate Shark at her show opening at the Winterville Cultural Center on Jan 17.
On February 24 Daniela Di Iorio from UGA Marine Sciences will be sharing a joint presentation project “Communicating Methane Seeps and Deep Sea Diversity With a Quilted Fabric Collage”.
In November 2024, a research team carried out an expedition to the Gulf of Mexico to investigate natural methane seepage in the GC185 lease block (Bush Hill) and document changes in bubble plumes rising from the seafloor. Thousands of photographs were collected to complement scientific measurements and reveal the remarkable biodiversity of this deep and little-known environment. Among these images was a rare sighting of a skate shark traversing the seafloor at an unusually deep habitat in front of a bubble plume. This discovery was shared with a local artist and sparked a collaboration that bridges science and art to communicate the mysteries of the deep ocean. Artist Sarah Hubbard creates detailed quilted fabric collages of native species and habitats, a practice rooted in both her artistic training and generational traditions of sewing in her family. Using photographs, datasets, and field notes, she transformed scientific imagery of methane seeps, deep-sea flora and fauna, and benthic textures into textile designs that reflect both ecological accuracy and creative interpretation. This partnership illustrates how collaborative processes can translate specialized scientific research into tangible, relatable forms. By merging field science with textile art, the project makes the deep ocean accessible to wider audiences, inspiring curiosity and fostering a sense of stewardship. Through this work, scientific discoveries move beyond data and imagery to become shared cultural narratives, highlighting the rare beauty of the ocean floor and underscoring the importance of conservation.
See the e-lighting (Interactive) poster they created for the presentation here: iposter
Cover of the interactive poster Daniela and Sarah created for the OSM2026 event
