This piece is inspired by the phenomenal contributions diatom algae bring to our world. Diatoms are light-absorbing molecules that convert light energy from the sun to chemical energy through photosynthesis. In the process, carbon dioxide is removed from the atmosphere, converted into sugar, and oxygen is released. In addition, diatoms are a major source of food for aquatic life on earth. Therefore, this piece aspires to celebrate diatoms as essentials organisms to our whole ecosystem.

The layered outlines are first generated based on research data from diatom structures. The outlines are then transformed into a three-dimensional structure based on a diatom wall structure. The outlines are laser cut onto acrylic glass. Layers of cut acrylic glass are then algorithmically layered on top of each other to create the final physical light structure.