A Interpretative Look at the Microscopic Life of the Guadalupe River

Exhibited March 8 - 12, BFA Exhibition, Black Gallery, San Jose State University.

Artist Statement:

In Protozone I hoped to bridge the disciplines of art and science to create a work that is not only about the ecology of the Guadalupe River, but also uses the tools and methodologies of microbiology to sample and document the species. I have had a deep interest in microscopic life for many years. My mother is a microbiologist and my wife is a biology student at SJSU. I have been lucky enough to explore such realms and to have access to microscopes in the past. I wanted to share my interest and fascination with these ultra small species. Being small and single cellular does not man that these creatures are simple. They are traveling, sometimes at great speed, through the viewing plane of the microscope, in search of food and out of harms way.

I also think it is important to give a context to the habitat of each species. For each site you travel from the Macro to the Micro and go from the familiar to the unfamiliar. At each site, I field recorded in surround sound the site where each organism is sampled. Initially you will hear traffic, airplanes, and maybe the sound of rushing water. If you listen closely you will hear the sounds of birds and other life that inhabits this urban river. As we travel into the Micro, the sound of the familiar is subdued and overlaid with interpretive sonic world of the protozoa. In the background a chatter, a series of pops and pulses increase in sonic density in proportion to sampled sunlight. This acts as a metaphor for photosynthesizing protozoal growth in the Guadalupe. This gives the participant a direct sensory register for such increases or decreases in population, thus calling questions to mind about the ecology, sustainability, and quality of their world. Quite possibly the storm drain stencils, that depict a symbol of a fish warning of the ecological impact of the actions of dumping, should have amoeba stenciled on as well.

Installation:

In this installation 3 sites are used. There video of the environment, that features field recorded surround sound of the environment. This was recorded on site using a Zoom H2 Recorder in 4 channel 24bit 48khz mode. Following the environment is a composition featuring protozoa and microscopic life forms sampled from that specific site. The field recorded sound has been modified with a variable low pass filter, effectively muffling the ambient sound. An interpretive sound bed has been overlaid, using mostly synthetic sounds. The goal is to highlight and contrast the environment of the macro being realistic and the micro a world that seems to defy the laws of physics. In the background there is a synthesis program called Reaktor 5 running a ensemble called Skrewell that provides a data driven context for the work. In this installation, a simulation of sunlight patterns is used to drive the “Flow” parameter of the synthesis. What is heard is a series of pops and pulses that increase in density with simulated sampled sunlight. For a site specific installation of the work, a sensor could be directly linked to this synthesis engine and allow for real time algorithmically generated sound.

Sampling:

Samples from the Guadalupe river were taken with pipettes and placed within 4 oz. mason jars. These jars were cultured by placing them in indirect sunlight for several days. In some cases Methyl Cellulose was used to slow the organisms so that they may be documented in more detail.
View Protozone Collection Sites in a larger map

Site 1: Origin

This sample was taken from the edge of a flood control reservoir. The path and ecology of the Guadalupe River has been heavily modified by man, and it is clearly evident here. Instead many tributaries flowing into the head of the River, a complex network of flood control reservoirs block the way. This marks the origin of the River, starting well into an urban area, located just below Highway 85.

Site 2: Downtown

This site is the source of major modifications to the river. An expansive plane of concrete extends out on all sides, providing more volume for the river as it rises. On the day of sampling, it was just after a storm when the waters were residing. Ac cross the expansive concrete lay shallow pools of stagnant water. These pools are idea for protozoal growth, but also for the larva of disease carrying insects.

Site 3: Guadalupe River Park

This site is the least effected by man, however it is not untouched. A series of concrete bridges provide access for the Park Rangers, and massive overpasses loom overhead at Taylor Street. This park has become a popular place for many water foul, but the noise of the nearby Highway 87 and being in the flight path for the San Jose Airport are almost deafening.

Observation of Organisms:

A universal microscope mount was used with a Canon t1i in video mode. This mount was placed on a tri-ocular microscope with the ocular removed. Great care was taken in focusing and filming the slides. Even a footstep could be seen shaking the creatures in the microscopic world. To give a sense of scale the size of the projection represents an area smaller than a grain of rice.

Collecting your own Protozone:

It is very easy and inexpensive to collect and view your own microscopic life. Even an inexpensive mircoscope purchased at Fry's can be used to look at such creatures. Supplies such as slides, pipettes, and Methyl Cellulose can be purchased locally from San Jose Scientific. Below is a collection of websites that offer a wealth of inforamation that were very useful in creating the installation.

Micro Bus: Culturing Protozoa

Micro Bus: Pond Water Critters

Chapter 8: Photography through the microscope

One-Penny Darkfield Illumination Filter

A Pocket Full of Microorganisms

Beginners tips on collection and studying protozoa