In the deep sea, the strange life forms that hover, swim and undulate across the video screens in ROV control rooms are rarely seen by anyone other than researchers and technicians. On occasion, scientists from the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute retrieve specimens from their dives. Like “moon rocks” of the sea they are rare "souvenirs" from a dark and cold world that is as alien and off limits to most of us as space.

Intrigued by their oddity, nature photographer Jason Bradley is capturing these creatures in portrait. Removing them from their jars, Bradley discovers the beauty of their forms with his camera and suggests the essence of the hidden life they once led in the darkness of Monterey’s submarine canyon.

Monterey’s Submarine Canyon is one of the largest of its kind reaching 2 miles down and 300 miles in length. The challenges facing researchers are therefore daunting, and their instrumentation is elaborate, costly, and state-of-the-art. “Sea Creatures Rediscovered” will offer members of the public an unusual and intimate glimpse into this alien world through the lens of an artist. The gallery show runs through March 7th, 2009.

A special thank you to our partners and supporters: MBARI, the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History, and Moss Landing Marine Labs.