For most, if not all, beachgoers, algae holds little appeal. The dark globs feel slimy to the touch and cloud the water for recreational use.

But, artist Josie Iselin will offer a completely new perspective on these typically maligned and misunderstood organisms in a Tuesday, Sept. 2 talk at Roger Williams University. The event will be held from 11 a.m. to noon at the Mary Teftt White Cultural Center and is open to the public.

Iselin’s latest book, An Ocean Garden: The Secret Life of Seaweed, takes species found along the California and Maine coastlines and showcases their beauty and diversity. Her work is described in promotional material for the event:

“Produced on a flatbed scanner, Iselin’s vibrant portraits of ocean flora reveal the exquisite color and extraordinary forms of more than 200 specimens gathered from tidal pools along the California and Maine coasts, bringing the traditional pressed seaweed specimen — invaluable to scientists and beloved by collectors — into a contemporary format. Her engaging text takes the reader into the world of seaweed, observing its habits and describing its natural history.”

Dr. Brian Wysor, RWU Associate Professor, Biology, secured support for Iselin’s presentation, sponsored by the RWU Division of Marine & Natural Sciences, from Rhode Island NSF Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR), Rhode Island Science and Technology Advisory Council (STAC), and the National Science Foundation (NSF).

“People generally have a very negative connotation of what algae are,” said Dr. Wysor, who teaches Marine Phycology, the study of algae. “Her book highlights the diversity and forms of algae in ways that even marine biologists aren’t used to seeing.”

And therein lies another aspect of Iselin’s artwork, which weaves together the aesthetics and the science of seaweed.

Dr. Wysor said one of the questions Rhode Island NSF EPSCoR research asks is: How is global climate change going to affect Narragansett Bay?

“We can’t really answer that question until we elucidate the diversity of the habitat-structuring elements, after which we can monitor for changes in marine floristic diversity as it relates to increases in water temperature or other manifestations of global climate change,” he said.

In Iselin’s images, what the eye sees as slimy globs in the water gives way to the specimens’ intricate designs and delicate shapes, flat or feathered, bulb-like or with long, outstretched tendrils, in an array of colors unnoticed by the casual beachgoer.

Prior to her talk, Iselin will give Dr. Wysor’s students a demonstration of her techniques and how she creates the images she presents in her book. He said he hoped this experience would underscore another lesson he tries to impart to his class.

“It’s not good enough that you learn; that only serves yourself,” Dr. Wysor said, explaining what he tells his phycology students. “You have an obligation to share what you learn. There is value in studying and in basic research, but understanding how to communicate that information is important as well.”

By Amy Dunkle