Loreto Gestoso

Artist Statement

Who Am I and What Do I Do?

I am a marine biologist and benthos taxonomist passionate about ocean science and scientific illustration. I have extense experience in marine benthos and some in data visualization.

I was born and raised in a town by the sea, the ocean is part of me, my passion and the place where I find peace. At university I studied Biology and did a PhD in the Adaptations of Marine Animals lab, specifically in seagrass benthic communities. My work since then pivoted around marine benthic comunities.

Illustration is part of my work approach. I use my ilustration as a reference collecion of images and use them to train people as well. But I make art not only with a practical use, art also help me to express myself and what I care about. I do enjoy producing more artistic pieces to evoke emotions in other people. I am a mixed media artist, I use differnt techniques in my work, from inks and watercolours to digital techniques. None of my art is produce using IA.

How did you get interested about the deep sea?

As a marine biologist specialized in benthic taxonomy I did work in some projects in deep waters which increased my interest in deep-sea creatures. I am fascinated about the extraordinary adaptations of deep-sea fauna, to this extreme environment, that are reflected in their morphology. There is no human creation that can match evolution work.

What do you imagine that deep-sea biological sciences can do?

What you know and you appreciate you will care and protect. Deep sea biology can help to protect oceans health and biodiversity showing the world what marvels deep waters host. Technology is also helping the developing of the Deep-Sea science, researchers can reach deaper and get more data about this exreme environment, and I think this will be the key for the develop of a sustainable blue economy.

Why do you think that bridging Art & Science is important? How would you like to achieve this link?

Humans are visual creatures, art can be useful to share knowledge from the pure academic environment to the general public outreach. A beautiful piece can atract people and once people is engaged the message can reach them. It is also true that a good visualization can help to present complex information to an audience not versed in science, like policy makers and other stakeholders. I would like to contribute to the dissemination of research on the deep sea and oceans in general through works of art that combine beauty and emotion with science data.

Artworks