Strobilation

The moon jellyfish (Aurelia aurita) reproduces both sexually, and asexually  in a process indicated as strobilation. This process occurs during the colonial polyp stage and produces either polyps or juvenile medusae called ephyra. Strobilation tend to occur at specific periods, typically early spring.

Aurelia aurita - Strobilation. Diluted Indian ink,  2012 (30 x 20 cm) 

The reproduced drawing has no claim to scientific accuracy, but it  draws attention to the abundance with which the moon jelly releases is reproductive organisms.

Nature = Abundance

Aurelia aurita - abundance. Diluted Indian ink,  2012 (20 x 20 cm) 

The life cycle of the common jellyfish (Aurelia aurita) is usually pictured as a series of separate stages. We could give it a thought that in nature, these individual stages may manifest themselves in huge numbers. I feel that abundance is the mark of nature. Like stars in a clear night, the uncountable amount is stunning and awe inspiring. 

Aurelia aurita  Entwicklung (B225) I  (11 x 15 cm)

Aurelia aurita , Entwicklung (B225) II, 2008 (16 x 25 cm)

De levenscyclus van de oorkwal (Aurelia aurita) wordt meestal weergegeven in een reeks afzonderlijke stadia. We zouden mogen bedenken, dat in de natuur deze individuele stadia in enorme aantallen voorkomen. In mijn beleving is overvloed het kenmerk van natuur. Zoals bij sterren op een heldere nacht, zijn de ontelbare aantallen verbluffend en ontzagwekkend. 

Happy New Year & Epiphany

This is a picture postcard that I designed in the mid 1980s. The image was used as a seasons greetings card, and shows a contemporary evocation of the Three Magi.