Luminescence | Prints, Canvases and Framed

There’s one thing I’ve always wanted to do: a night dive.

I’ve spent time diving in places like Belize—swimming alongside sea turtles, hovering over coral reefs, and watching fish swim by. But I’ve never experienced a reef at night, when everything goes still… and the bioluminescence begins.

That’s where Luminescence comes from.

Bioluminescent coral is real. It lives in the deep, dark parts of the ocean, and glows in response to touch or light—maybe to protect itself, maybe to confuse predators. Scientists are still figuring it out. That quiet magic  fascinates me.

If the ocean speaks to you the way it does to me, I hope Luminescence brings a little of that wonder into your space.

Conservation Notes:

Bioluminescent coral isn’t just visually stunning—it’s a biological marvel we’re only beginning to understand. Found mostly in deeper or shaded reef zones, these corals emit a soft glow thanks to proteins and pigments that react to light or movement. Some scientists believe the fluorescence helps protect coral from harmful UV rays, while others think it may help them communicate or attract symbiotic algae.

But these corals—and the ecosystems they support—are incredibly fragile. Coral reefs are home to roughly 25% of all marine species, yet they cover less than 1% of the ocean floor. Rising sea temperatures, ocean acidification, overfishing, and pollution are putting enormous pressure on reef systems around the world. In some regions, we’ve already lost more than 50% of coral cover.

The deeper reefs, where bioluminescent species are more likely to be found, are often overlooked in conservation efforts simply because they’re harder to study. Yet they may hold keys to reef survival—offering genetic diversity and resilience that shallower reefs can’t.

With this piece, and through my partnership with 1% for the Planet, a portion of every sale supports organizations working to protect and restore coral reef habitats. It’s a small way to give back to the ocean that gives us so much.

Reference Photo Inspiration by Zoe Lower