When I think of glass, it’s usually in relation to a window or a cold beverage. Attending Drew Harvell’s talk on the Blaschka glass sculptures last week definitively changed that perspective! I never imagined that glass could be so intricately worked into such exquisite art. The sheer craftsmanship of the Blaschka glass collection of marine creatures is astounding, and its beauty is only rivaled by that of the creatures it represents.

The presentation was bittersweet. On one hand, the fact that numerous species easily found 150 years ago are now extinct or endangered is a sobering thought: as discussed, global warming has facilitated (if not caused) the decline of many marine species, and the problem is only getting worse. The plight of the ochre starfish across the globe is representative of the vagaries of an ocean too warm. Will humanity be willing to dramatically alter its comfort-seeking lifestyle to support marine life? It seems doubtful.

On the other hand, however, I was inspired by the ability of art to renew a passion for nature. As museum patrons view and students study the beautiful sculptures, they are motivated to be more conscious of the natural world around them, and even take steps to support its well-being. I find it interesting how art can touch the human heart and inspire us to works of both passion and responsibility.  It seems that humans are most effective to address issues when their heads  and  their hearts are aligned. Although the Blaschka family may not have done any direct ecological work, their amazing creations serve as champions of the ecosystem they represent.