Get Worksheet Diatom Art Template - Cabrillomarineaquariumorg 2020-2025

The structure of a diatom generally consists of double shells made from semi-translucent silica. The first shell, known as the hypotheca or lower cell, fits inside of the second shell, known as the epitheca or upper shell.

Klaus D. Kemp is one of the leading figures in the production of diatoms which found fame in the Victorian age but fell from favor in the 20th and 21st-centuries. Kemp is the last practitioner of diatom production as he is the last known practitioner of this miniature art form.

I just discovered an old artform while watching a BBC documentary (Coasts) that I had not known existed: diatom arranging. That's right. Organizing microscopic, single-cell organisms into kaleidoscope-like patterns… by hand!

In addition to their important role within the ecosystem, diatoms also possess uniquely beautiful cell structures. During the Victorian era, this beauty inspired artists to position the jewel-like cells into dazzling arrangements under the lens of the microscope.

The finished product looks like stained glass, but is so tiny that it can only be seen through a microscope! The building blocks of Kemp's artworks are diatoms, a kind of single-celled algae. Diatoms make up the bottom of the food chain in both saltwater and freshwater environments.

¨ Silicon is very much important for growth of Diatom. This silicon must be in bio-available form to get easily absorbed by Diatoms for their growth.

After the diatoms have been cleaned, they are placed on a glass slide with adhesive. They can then be manipulated under a microscope for a period of time—as long as the glue will allow. Klaus has a unique glue formula that allows him to work over a period of days, enough time to make exceptionally complex arrangements.

Diatoms have two different reproduction stages, asexual and sexual. On the one hand, in the asexual stage, the cell separates both valves and it grows the other half resulting in two different algae, one being bigger than the other.

Diatoms are single-celled algae They are the only organism on the planet with cell walls composed of transparent, opaline silica. Diatom cell walls are ornamented by intricate and striking patterns of silica.