Geometric Ecosystems: Raised Bogs of Germany

ECOSYSTEM STATUS: CRITICALLY ENDANGERED

This series of paintings was created to bring awareness to critically endangered ecosystems around the world. Each unique in their biodiversity, these ecosystems are critical to an uncountable number of animals and the overall wellness of our planet. By looking at the specific materials and qualities of each ecosystem, simple geometries were derived and then used to depict a snapshot of the overall system combined. All nine paintings are gouache paint on 200 pound watercolor paper, 9 in by 9 in.

Raised bogs have their origins in shallow glacial lakes and wet hollows. Over long time periods, each lake or hollow became filled with the un-decayed remains of vegetation and silt, and peat began to form. Bog cultivation was practiced into the 1970s, causing the raised bogs in Lower Saxony to almost disappear entirely. Nearly 95 percent of all German bogs are considered to be degraded. Today, raised bogs and low bogs account for approximately 9 percent of the land area there. Ongoing effort is needed to prevent further destruction of bogs and protect the hydrology of existing bogs.