UC San Diego Library is proud to share the recent release of an 8-minute short film that beautifully captures the essence of a past exhibition, Ebb and Flow: Giant Kelp Forests through Art, Science and the Archives, through the lens of the five visionary artists whose work was featured in the show.
Produced by Mary Ann Beyster (@mabeyster) with assistance from filmmaker Eladio Arvelo (@eladioarvelo) at Eclectic Aspirations, this film explores the dynamic fusion of science, art and historic collections, set against the stunning backdrop of La Jolla’s hidden underwater world of giant kelp forests.
The film highlights how each artist brought their unique perspective to the theme, revealing the profound beauty, healing power and global significance of this vital habitat. From the kelp’s holdfast to the light of its canopy, the artists’ works weave together elements of nature, personal experience and environmental awareness.
Captured on the final day of the Ebb and Flow exhibition run at Geisel Library, the film offers an intimate reflection on the intersection of art and nature, as well as the personal motivations that drive these creative expressions.
Watch the Film
We invite you to experience this fusion of science and art by watching the film.
Meet the Artists
The film features five visionary creators, each bringing their unique perspective and medium to the project:
- Oriana Poindexter: Marine Scientist and Photographic Artist | @opoindex
- Jennifer Smith: Professor, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, and Seaweed Pressing Artist | @HoldfastBotanical
- Marie McKenzie: Oil Painter and Sculptor | @mariemckenzieart
- Julia C R Gray: Ceramic Artist | @artistjcrgray
- Dwight Hwang: Gyotaku Master Artist | @dwighthwang_gyotaku
The artists’ work is complemented by archival materials from the Library’s Special Collections & Archives and from the Seaweed Pressing Archives at the San Diego Natural History Museum (The Nat), emphasizing the role of historic collections in inspiring modern creativity.
Collaboration and Acknowledgments
This film represents a remarkable collaboration between artists, curators, scientists, and the Library team. It culminated in a beautiful exhibition enjoyed by many throughout its run at Geisel Library.
Special thanks go to:
- Oriana Poindexter, curator of Ebb and Flow.
- Contributors from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, Birch Aquarium at Scripps, the Seaweed Ecology Lab and Herbarium and The Nat.
We also thank Grace Peterson, Melissa Torres, Robert Raad and Adi Khen for their invaluable contributions.
Discover More
To delve deeper into the work of these incredible artists, explore their portfolios and follow them on social media. Their art, inspired by the natural world, offers a profound reminder of the interconnectedness of science, creativity and conservation.
This film is a testament to the power of interdisciplinary collaboration and the stories waiting to be uncovered in our shared environment. We are honored to have played a part in preserving and promoting this extraordinary project.