This is my loose translation of the sea slug Costasiella kuroshimae, also known as "leaf sheep”.
With this sculpture, I want to shine a spotlight on the beauty of our oceans, much of which is unknown and unseen. A very unusual tiny tiny sea slug indeed.
They have a fascinating adaptation called kleptoplasty, which allows them to retain and utilize chloroplasts from the algae they consume.
Costasiella kuroshimae incorporates these chloroplasts into their own cells, where they continue to function and enable the sea slugs to engage in indirect photosynthesis, producing energy for the slug's metabolism.
I designed and handmade this leaf slug sculpture. It is made out of silver, copper and brass.
Handmade decorative screws are bezel set with precious gemstones.
These contain tourmaline, emeralds, amethyst, garnets, peridot, citrine and topaz.
Yello glow resin
The display base is covered with jasper and green coloured stone.
Head-on view of the Leaf Slug Sculpture
View from above of the Leaf Slug
Rear view of the Leaf Slug Sculpture
Close up of the sea slug head with rhinophores
Side view of Leaf Slug Sculpture
Angled rear view
