Microfossils
The Microfossils series explores our relationship with mud and oil through foraminifera tests. Foraminifera are microscopic organisms with tiny shells (tests) found in the ocean and sediments. When forams die, they sink to the seafloor and are deposited in layers. Their fossilized tests are found in oil-rich sediments, and are used by petroleum geologists searching for oil.
Ammon's Strata
Acrylic on cradled board panels. 38" tall x 25" wide. Composed of five 12" x 12" panels. Liz Ewings.
Based on original photo of Ammonia parkinsoniana by Prof. Charlotte Brunner.
Ammonia is named for the salt deposits where it was first found, near the Temple of Amun, the Egyptian god of the sun. A. parkinsoniana is used in biostratigraphy to determine the age of the sedimentary layer where it is found.
Time in Three Chambers
Acrylic on cradled board panels. 51" tall x 25" wide. Composed of six 12" x 12" panels. Liz Ewings.
Based on original photo of Triloculina, ribbed by Prof. Charlotte Brunner.
Triloculina species have three internal chambers. Foraminiferan assemblages, including Triloculina, are used to date layers of sediment in Earth's crust, marking ancient time.
Climate Library Extraction
Acrylic on cradled board panels. 25" tall x 38" wide. Composed of six 12" x 12" panels. Liz Ewings.
Foraminferans of the upper cretaceous period are used in biostratigraphy to determine age of sedimentary layers, and as a proxy to describe the climate of the region.
Original reference image of Ticinella primera from foraminifera.eu
History Pump
Acrylic on cradled board panels. 25" tall x 38" wide. Composed of six 12" x 12" panels. Liz Ewings.
Foraminferans of the upper cretaceous period are used in biostratigraphy to determine age of sedimentary layers, and as a proxy to describe the climate of the region. They are also used to locate undersea oil and gas deposits. Much of our petroleum is composed of ancient microscopic marine organisms like forams.
Original reference image of Globotruncana sp. from foraminifera.eu
Micro-fossils as Oil
Acrylic on cradled board panels. 38" tall x 38" wide. Composed of seven 12" x 12" panels. Liz Ewings.
Foraminferans of the upper cretaceous period are used in biostratigraphy to determine age of sedimentary layers, and as a proxy to describe the climate of the region. They are also used to locate undersea oil and gas deposits. Much of our petroleum is composed of ancient microscopic marine organisms like forams.
Original reference image of Planomalina sp. from foraminifera.eu
Micro-fossils as Oil, detail.
Single panel detail from Microfossil Resurrection. 12" x 12" acrylic on cradled board. Liz Ewings.