Over a decade ago a young man decided to learn how to scuba dive. He discovered that he was quite good as an underwater explorer. Years later, Dave, was in a catastrophic car accident which led to the amputation of his left arm. Dave diligently engaged in rehabilitation. Diving is generally an activity that requires both arms, yet Dave had come up with several "work arounds". I met Dave on a dive boat in Belize. Dave asked me for some slight assistance which I gladly provided. What I observed over the course of the next 25 dives was Dave successfully diving and exploring the reef in and around the Blue Hole in Belize. Dave's diving reminded me of an image I had captured of a hermit crab, who like Dave, had lost an appendage yet seemed to be thriving in the underwater environment.

Like Dave, the crab’s missing arm demonstrates resilience, survival and adaptation in an often-hidden world. Here, the interplay of light and shadow not only defines the creature’s physical presence but also evokes a feeling of quiet dignity and perseverance. This is more than a moment frozen beneath the waves; it is a celebration of the unexpected beauty found in the requirement of adaptation and the enduring spirit that thrives despite challenging circumstances.

This images is a limited edition artwork—available in metal or acrylic—beckons the viewer into a contemplative space where nature’s subtle wonders emerge with vibrancy and grace. It serves as a reminder that beneath the surface, life’s quiet struggles forge stories both universal and deeply personal, inviting us to witness and honor the extraordinary lives thriving in the ocean’s hidden realms.