Interview: Irene Middleton

Irene Middleton is a marine ecologist, scientific diver, science communicator, and underwater photographer working in Northeastern New Zealand. She specializes in research related to changes in fish communities because of climate change, invasive species research,  and using citizen science records to monitor change. She is passionate about recognizing the potential of the knowledge and data collected by fishers, divers, and the oceangoing public to bolster scientific research and foster engagement with marine conservation.

She uses her underwater photography and science communication to connect people to the issues, values, and treasures found in our oceans. Firmly believing that people will protect what they love, means that introducing them to the beauty of the ocean in their backyard takes on a new level of importance. She has placed and won both national and international photo competitions with images largely captured within a few kilometres of her home in New Zealand. Some of her favourite places to explore and species to photograph are those occurring in the deep open oceans.

Species that follow the currents to New Zealand are often rarely encountered ephemeral visitors. These pelagic species are often the first indicators things in the ocean are changing, they may range further south due to climate change, encounter marine debris, or be subject to unregulated fishing practices.
Irene is happiest drifting over deep blue water hoping to encounter some of these beautiful, important treasures and communicating their importance to the public.

Irene participated in the Under the Sea Virtual Exhibition. The panel of judges chose her piece Little Drifter as the best piece, which “Vizualized science in a compelling way.”

Tell us a little bit about yourself, your name and what do you do?

My name is Irene Middleton, I am a marine scientist and nature photographer living in northeastern New Zealand. I’m also a self-professed fish nerd, I love fish, the ocean, and science.

How does the ocean specifically inspire your creativity?

The ocean means everything to me, I spent my youth pottering around the intertidal areas identifying the creatures, swimming, and walking along beaches picking up treasure i.e., shells. Nowadays the ocean is my work, but is also where I find peace, inspiration, and solace. Being a diver and scientist I often see creatures, scenes, and habitats others don’t and I always feel privileged to be in this position. 

A larval slipper lobster rides a Pelagia noctiluca jellyfish, its thought that the crustaceans use the jellyfish for protection and as a food source

What drew you to the intersection of art and science, particularly in your ocean-themed art?

Being privileged to see species and ecosystems others don’t inspire me to use art to introduce people to these. I genuinely feel that art and imagery can inspire a connection to the ocean, and connection inspires ownership, responsibility, and protection. Art makes science approachable, open, and interesting to the public and we need as many people to be connected with the ocean to be able to protect it and look after it.

What role does research play in your artistic process?

Research is my job, I am inherently curious, love patterns, exploration, and data. I use this to identify ocean species, processes, and behaviours to document through my photography that may be unique, thought-provoking, or evocative. For example, my husband and I spent months trying to review historic sightings of nautilus in New Zealand to help us successfully photograph them in situ. I am also lucky enough to be a documentary photographer on science expeditions where I get to share the science process, people, and species with the public.

A bloom of crystal jellyfish at the Poor Knights Islands Marine reserve acts as an unlikely shelter for juvenile fish

What materials do you like to use to create your artwork?

I use digital photography to create my artwork. To capture underwater images I use an aluminium housing to keep my camera safe, lights to allow my camera to focus in the muted light underwater, and external strobes to bring all the colours that are lost underwater back to life.

A batfish stares down its reflection in my camera port at Blue Heron Bridge in Florida

Your art might spark curiosity in viewers about both art and the ocean. How do you hope your audience engages with your work?

I hope people see my images and it sparks their curiosity about the creatures and ecosystems imaged. I hope it sparks them to undertake some research about the species and their own backyard, I hope it helps them understand the beauty or threats related to the ocean and that they ask questions.

A juvenile grey angelfish seeks shelter with a crayfish under Blue Heron Bridge in Florida

Collaboration between artists and scientists is becoming increasingly common. Have you collaborated with scientists or researchers before? If so, could you tell us about one of those collaborations? If not, is this something that might interest you, and why?

A eastern clingfish blends in perfectly with a sponge off the New South Wales coast.

I have been lucky enough to join expeditions through the southwest Pacific, to remote island chains like Rangitahua/Kermadecs, and fisheries surveys where I have been part of both the science team and capturing imagery of the journey. These trips included researchers from museums in New Zealand and overseas, conservation agencies, consultants, and local scientists. I learn so much from being present and immersed in the work 24/7 and love the challenge of sharing some of what we are doing and seeing to not only foster a connection with the public but also to add to datasets that the scientists are collecting.

Lastly, what advice would you give to aspiring artists who are interested in incorporating scientific themes into their work, particularly related to the ocean?

I think my advice would be to ask questions, and get to know your backyard and local ecosystems. You don't need to travel to far away exotic locations to create inspiring art. You just need to portray a connection and a unique beauty. Be an advocate for your home.

If you could be any ocean creature, what would you be and why?

I would be an Oceanic Manta Ray or a flying fish! Cruising with the warm blue water currents exploring the world. I would love to understand where they go, where the babies originate, and what they think when a diver comes and takes photos of them. Also having the ability to fly and swim would be incredible.

Manta Ray by Irene Middleton

Flying Fish by Crispin Middleton @seacologynz