I have long been captivated by the extraordinary life forms of the deep sea. This painting portrays a Diamond Squid (Thysanoteuthis rhombus), a large pelagic species found in tropical and subtropical waters. Named for the distinctive diamond-shaped fins that extend along its mantle, T. rhombus is a creature of ephemeral brilliance—growing rapidly, living for only about a year, and notable as the only cephalopod species known to be monogamous. Pair bonds form early in life, with mating occurring in a unique head-to-head position. Here, I depict the squid in pursuit of a juvenile Wunderpus photogenicus, reflecting its role as both predator and participant in the complex food web of the open ocean.

Sadly, T. rhombus is targeted by fisheries, particularly in Japan. Through this work, I hope to inspire a deeper appreciation for these enigmatic cephalopods and their fleeting, luminous presence in the deep sea. The painting was inspired by the photography of award-winning wildlife photographer Wayne Jones in the Philippines.