“The Brood” is the second image in the Pelagic Worlds series. It’s an alien microcosm in its ecological niche. I imagine myself as an interstellar naturalist who’s traveled to another world and finds this alien species and creates the first portrait of it in the “wild”. The story that I tell might point to how it might behave, what might it eat, what is its life cycle, and so on. Its “mythic ecology”.

FIELD NOTES: Developmental Sacs – The Brood

Location: Substrate Basin, Hatchwell Cradle Complex
Date Logged: Cycle 2.12 – Early Emergence Phase
Observer: K2, under Commission of the Archivist of Organic Forms

"Gestation spheres remain semi-transparent until the third phase, allowing for rare observation of larval orientation shifts. Emergence appears driven less by maturity than by ambient light triggers—suggesting a photonic or spiritual rite of passage rather than a purely biological event."

Morphology Observed:

• Juveniles bear gold nodules along dorsal segments—unknown if sensory or decorative.

• Waxy membrane bursts open without damage to casing—suggesting intentional design.

• Pairs of translucent wings develop last, with asymmetrical fluttering noted.

Behavioral Summary:

" Specimens observed in nutrient drift on the periphery of the Keloth Bloom region appear to exhibit brooding behavior. Group cohesion is rhythmic, bioluminescent, and possibly empathic. Multiple larvae seen gesturing toward each other with undulating forelimbs. Coordination? Ritual? Duet? “

Speculative Addendum:

• Possible caste system emerging within cohort—larger greener morphs may function as sentinels or carriers.

• Spheres aligned in numerical spirals matching Fibonacci series. Artifact or adaptation?

Are you a curious traveler too?

This painting is 36” x 36” x 2” deep, canvas on cross-braced stretchers.

Shipping is possible, but I’d prefer to deliver it or have it picked up.