Artist’s Statement: 

I found this starburst anemone (Anthopleura sola) growing in a tide pool in California. On the right side of the photo, the winter sky is reflected in the water.

During low tide or when faced with a threat, starburst anemones close up, revealing a sticky outside layer that’s coated in pieces of gravel and shells. But when they are safe underneath the water, they extend their tentacles and reveal their beauty. Algae growing inside their bodies gives starburst anemones their green color.