Description
Ovary and Follicles in Ice
AiA applies the concept of multiple cyst like ice structures to the anatomy of the body and in this instance to the ovary. Ice bubbles form around air and other small structures of the earth and create follicular shaped structures of varying size on the ovarian like structure. The formation of ice crystals requires special winter conditions. Freezing cold and water are basic ingredients. Temperature and humidity determine crystalline forms.
At birth the total number of ova or immature ovarian follicles is between 1-2 million. Most of these will become atretic. At puberty about 400,00 remain. Only one follicle reaches maturity at the time of ovulation in mid cycle, while about 1,000 follicles become atretic with each cycle.
By menopause, (48-55 years), there are very few residual follicles. The art piece shows innumerable follicles and artistically represent the full follicular potential of the ovary.
In this art piece crystalised bubbles project off the ice ponds. They are likely formations of air bubbles caught in the snow and ice which helped this beautiful creation of nature. One just has to look at the microcosms of the backyard and you will find little pieces of heaven and the miraculous earth.
On the day I photographed the image, the conditions were ripe. A “bad” snowstorm in February 2016 with 8-12 inches of snow, was followed by a Valentines day of zero degrees Fahrenheit, and then followed a day later by a morning with temperatures reaching 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Ice ponds with transparent and often cracked thin ice could be found all over the park As I looked more closely at these ice ponds with my macro lens – my breath was taken away by the geometric forms of nature.
Just a click of the camera and a moment of time in nature, likely never to surface again, was captured.
Related categories: forces, shape, units to unity, time, bonds and connections, forces, water theme